Illegal soil extraction threatens Haora riverbank

Illegal soil extraction from the banks of the Haora river in Brahmanbaria's Akhaura upazila has raised serious concerns over the integrity of the river protection embankment and the surrounding environment.

A local syndicate has allegedly been extracting soil illegally from the riverbank and adjacent land in Adampur area of Mugra union round the clock, before selling it for filling ponds, canals, ditches, and farmlands in different areas of the upazila.

The Haora river originates in the hilly region of Teliamura in India's Tripura state and flows into Bangladesh through Akhaura before merging with the Titas river.

The rampant extraction is not only endangering the embankment but also posing significant threats to the environment, agricultural land, and rural infrastructure, according to residents and officials.

During a recent visit, this correspondent saw excavators operating on both sides of the river in Adampur throughout the day.

The syndicate reportedly comprises several influential locals, including Shahid from Khalapara village and Jahir from Aowrarchar village.

"The group has long been extracting soil from riverbanks, shoals, and croplands in the area. Since the August 5 political turnover last year, they've become more reckless, threatening anyone who protests," said a local resident seeking anonymity.

Last monsoon, the river protection embankment collapsed in three sections, each spanning around 40 to 50 feet, during flooding caused by heavy rainfall and an onrush of upstream water from India.

As a result, 36 villages in the upazila were severely flooded. At least eight portions of roads were washed away, and a bailey bridge -- the only access route to Akhaura Land Port -- was destroyed by strong currents.

Locals now fear the unabated removal of soil may lead to another breach, even during minor flooding.

Contacted, Jahir claimed he had bought the soil before extracting it, but could not say who sold him soil from the riverbank.

Shahid could not be reached over the phone despite repeated attempts.

Md Monzur Rahman, executive engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board in Brahmanbaria, said they were aware of the issue.

"Upon learning about it, I informed the upazila nirbahi officer of Akhaura for necessary action," he added.