Human Chain in Gowainghat, Halt to Illegal Sand Extraction and Protection Farmland.

Naim Ahmed, Jaintapur-Gowainghat Sylhet. Residents of two villages in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet have formed a human chain demanding an immediate halt to illegal sand extraction using dredger machines from a river adjacent to Uttar Hatir Para-Khaoiura in Paschim Alirgaon Union and measures to protect agricultural land from river erosion. The human chain was held on Thursday (September 10) on the bank of the river adjacent to Uttar Hatir Para-Khaoiura, jointly organized by residents of Hatir Para and Pukash villages. Local Union Parishad member Masuk Ahmed presided over the program. A large number of affected farmers and people from different walks of life from Pukash and Hatir Para villages participated in the human chain. Speakers at the program alleged that a group led by Abzal, Soyful, Hamid and Faruk has allegedly been extracting sand illegally from the river using dredger machines day and night for a long time, without following any rules or regulations. As a result, severe river erosion has reportedly occurred, causing hundreds of acres of agricultural land in Hatir Para and Pukash villages to gradually disappear into the river. The speakers warned that if the illegal sand extraction continues, large areas of agricultural land in the two villages could be lost to river erosion in the near future. They said the situation is not only causing serious losses to farmers but also threatening the livelihoods and environment of local residents. In his speech, UP member Masuk Ahmed said, “Farmers in the area have become desperate due to the aggressive activities of those involved in illegal sand extraction. As agricultural land is being washed away by the river, many people are losing their means of income. We strongly urge the administration to immediately stop illegal sand extraction using dredger machines and take strict legal action against those involved.” He further warned that if immediate action is not taken, the local residents would launch a larger movement. Local elders and social workers Abu Bakkar, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Kadir, Abdur Nur, Badrul Islam and Izzat Ullah, among others, expressed solidarity with the human chain and addressed the gathering. The speakers also urged the Gowainghat Upazila Administration and the Water Development Board to take immediate and effective measures to stop illegal sand extraction and demanded the construction of a sustainable embankment to prevent river erosion.