Tangail, June 27 (V7N)- In the Kakuya area of Tangail Sadar Upazila, local influential individuals are attempting to destroy arable land to extract sand and establish sand quarries. This effort is being made in the villages of Kakuya, Gayla Hossain, Deogola, Argola, Gopalthithil, and Rajnagar in Kakuya Union.
 
On Thursday, June 27, local residents submitted a written petition to the District Commissioner, seeking action to prevent illegal sand quarrying.
 
Meanwhile, the rising water levels in the Jamuna River have caused erosion in several villages of Kakuya Union, rendering many families homeless.
 
According to the written complaint, despite not having leases for sand quarries, sand miners under the protection of local influential individuals are scheming to illegally extract sand from the Jamuna River in Kakuya, Gayla Hossain, Deogola, Argola, Gopalthithil, and Rajnagar areas. The residents of these areas rely on agriculture. Under the pretext of developmental works, these sand miners are attempting to illegally extract sand. If sand extraction occurs, the Jamuna River will begin to erode during the monsoon season, threatening to engulf arable land and homes. Additionally, mosques and educational institutions will be at risk.
 
It has been reported that the rising water levels in the Jamuna River have caused erosion in several areas, including an unprotected 1,625-meter stretch in Charpauli village of Katuli Union in Tangail Sadar Upazila, and in several villages in Kakuya. Similar erosion has also been reported in Chituliapara, Valkutia, Kostapara of Gobindasi Union, and Matikata, Patitapara, Konabari in Nikrail Union of Bhuapur Upazila.
 
Serajul Islam from Kakuya stated that the area has been experiencing erosion for the past few years, and this year, erosion has started again in Kakuya and surrounding areas. Despite this, sand miners are scheming to extract sand. If sand extraction occurs in the Jamuna River, many homes will be lost to the river. A petition has been submitted to the District Commissioner seeking intervention.
 
Locals reported that last year, local political leaders and influential individuals started extracting sand in Kakuya and other areas. Later, the administration conducted operations to stop the illegal sand extraction, which was then halted. This year, the same individuals are again attempting to start sand extraction. Out of fear, no one in the area protests.
 
Badiuzzaman Faruk, Chairman of Kakuya Union Parishad, stated, "Last year, I was harmed while trying to engage in the sand business. Not everyone can engage in every business. People from Sirajganj are involved in this business. Rajnagar and another area are located at the edge of the union along the Jamuna River. I am currently not involved in the sand business."
 
Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Hasan Bin Ali said, "No one can illegally extract sand or establish sand quarries from the Jamuna River. Regular operations are conducted to prevent this.
 
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