Mobile Court Seizes 39 Boats and Sand in Netrokona Anti-Illegal Extraction Drive
Photo Collected
A mobile court in Netrokona’s Kalmakanda upazila seized 39 boats and approximately 1,000 cubic feet of sand during an anti-illegal sand extraction drive on Thursday. The operation also resulted in the sentencing of 24-year-old Nazmul Mia to 15 days of simple imprisonment for his involvement in the illicit activities.
The drive, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Samsuzzaman Asif, took place along the Mahadeo River in the Saterhati area of Rongchhati Union from Thursday morning until late afternoon. Nazmul Mia, a resident of Noyanagar village and son of Gias Uddin, was taken into custody and subsequently transferred to the Netrokona District Jail.
During the operation, authorities seized the 1,000 cubic feet of illegally extracted sand and immediately dumped it back into the river. To prevent further use in illegal transport, the engines of the 39 seized boats were dismantled, and the vessels were sunk in the river. Furthermore, Assistant Commissioner Asif has directed the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalmakanda Police Station to file a formal case against approximately 100 unidentified individuals implicated in the illegal sand extraction operations.
Local residents and administrative officials report that sand has been extracted from the Mahadeo River, which originates from the Indian state of Meghalaya, in violation of judicial injunctions for a prolonged period. Sand lifters typically operate under the cover of darkness, from sunset to dawn, using engine-powered boats to stockpile sand along the riverbanks. This material is later transported to various parts of the country via trolleys and trucks. This persistent extraction has placed riverbank settlements, agricultural land, local markets, bridges, and critical infrastructure at significant risk of erosion and collapse.
District Commissioner Khandaker Mushfiqur Rahman stated that such enforcement actions will continue in the future to protect the river, maintain environmental equilibrium, and preserve state resources.
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