Rajshahi, Dec 22 (V7N) — A major pond excavation festival has started in Mohanpur upazila, with excavators (backhoe machines) being used around the clock to dig ponds on agricultural lands, reportedly for personal gain.

Investigations revealed that Ashraful Islam, Organizing Secretary of Jahanabad Union BNP, is illegally excavating nearly 10 acres of farmland in the Birahi Beel area using backhoe machines, violating government regulations. In the same union, Mohammad Bhuttu is excavating about 14 acres in Motihar Beel, while in Vetupura Beel of Bakshimail Union, a person named Hela is digging a pond on nearly 6 acres of farmland.

When contacted, Ashraful Islam admitted to carrying out the pond excavation, stating that the work is being coordinated at the upazila level and managed locally.

Mohanpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Fahima Binte Akhtar said that legal action would be taken against those responsible once the investigation is complete, emphasizing that such unauthorized excavation violates government rules and threatens agricultural productivity.

Locals have expressed concern over the destruction of fertile land and the potential long-term environmental impacts if illegal pond excavation continues unchecked.

END/MRA/SMA/