An influential group, allegedly led by a local Jubo League leader, has been engaged in illegal sand extraction near a sluice gate in the Baharchhara area of Sharsharshee village, located in Moulvibazar's Sreemangal upazila.

The sluice gate, constructed during the 2006-07 fiscal year with support from the World Bank, was intended to provide irrigation water for local farmers.

This illegal activity has severely compromised the sluice gate's functionality, endangered a nearby tea garden hill, and jeopardised the agriculture and livelihoods of around 25,000 farmers across seven villages.

Locals reported that parts of the sluice gate have already sunk, sinkholes have appeared in sections of the Dinarpur Tea Garden, and rural roads are being damaged by heavy vehicles continuously transporting sand.

Despite a High Court order that banned sand extraction in the area for six months, following a petition by the Barachhara Water Management Cooperative Society Limited, the group has continued its activities.

Residents allege that Jewel Mia, a Mirzapur union Jubo League leader, is orchestrating the illegal sand extraction.

Jewel, who faces several criminal charges, including violations of the Explosives Act and the Balumahal and Soil Management Act, has reportedly used his political influence to carry out various illegal activities in the area.

During a recent visit to Sharsharshee village, this correspondent observed sand being extracted and stockpiled for sale at different points in Barachhara. Rural roads were found in poor condition due to the constant movement of sand-laden trucks and tractors.

A significant portion of the sluice gate's rear side has collapsed, while roads and bridges connecting to the Dinarpur Tea Garden hill are at grave risk of damage.

Local farmer Shafiq Mia said, "The sluice gate's present condition puts our livelihoods in jeopardy, while destroying the canal and endangering our homes."

Sheikh Sabuj Alam, general secretary of the Barachhara Water Management Cooperative Society Limited, said the sluice gate serves around 25,000 farmers from seven neighbouring villages.

He said since 2017, they have repeatedly appealed to higher authorities to stop the sand extraction, but their pleas have been ignored due to the culprits' political backing.

Mohammad Moshaddar Ali, president of the cooperative society, alleged that the illegal extraction has persisted for years due to the political influence of local Jubo League leaders, including Jewel.

"These individuals have threatened us, demanding Tk 16 lakh if sand extraction is halted through legal action. We remain hostage to them," he stated.

Contacted over phone, Jewel Mia claimed he had acquired a lease to extract sand from the canal for two years.

"The president of the water management cooperative society demanded a bribe of Tk 2 lakh, of which I paid Tk 50,000. Even then they closed my leased sand mining site. With multiple cases against me, I am currently in hiding. How could I be extracting sand in this situation?" he said.

Md Islam Uddin, the upazila nirbahi officer of Sreemangal, said, "Sand quarry leases are issued by the Ministry of Mineral Resources. I have received an application and a petition from the High Court, along with an interim order to halt any agreement related to sand extraction from Baharchhara canal."

He said he has instructed the assistant commissioner (land) to take legal action and forwarded the petition to the Ministry of Mineral Resources for further review.