Illegal soil extraction threatens Brahmaputra riverbanks 

The Brahmaputra riverbanks in Chilmari Upazila of Kurigram are facing rampant soil extraction, posing a severe threat to the river ecosystem and accelerating untimely erosion. 

Influential figures in the Rajarvita area of the upazila are reportedly engaging in the illegal cutting and sale of soil from the riverbanks, disregarding the potential consequences. Locals fear that the escalating water levels in the river could transform the area into a river itself.

The Brahmaputra River Bank Protection project, constructed at a substantial cost running into hundreds of crores taka, is now at risk. The threat extends to three educational institutions, including Rajarvita Fazil Madrasa, various structures, townships along the riverbanks, and arable land. The people of Rajarvita village express their disappointment as they await a solution.

Observations on Friday revealed ongoing soil extraction in various locations within the Rajarvita area, right in front of the Brahmaputra River bank protection project within the Paubo barrage. Trolleys were lined up to transport the extracted soil, and witnesses reported individuals fleeing with tractors (trolleys) to avoid scrutiny. 
The continuous soil cutting is causing the adjacent area to reach the river's water level. Residents fear that even a slight increase in water could merge these lands with the river, resulting in the entire area transforming into a river.

Residents such as Sekender Ali, Saidul Islam, Morsheda Begum, and others stepped forward to voice their distress. They underscored the critical role the riverbank plays as a protective barrier for their village, recounting the agricultural activities and diverse crops cultivated on these now-vulnerable lands. These areas were not only sources of livelihood but also served as essential grazing grounds for the community.

The residents' warnings echo beyond immediate concerns, resonating with the potential long-term ramifications of unchecked soil extraction. They highlight the serious threat posed to the river's erosion, questioning the sustainability of the Brahmaputra bank protection project, the integrity of the riverside township with its various structures, and the government's ambitious plan to restore the naval port – all of which were conceived and executed at an exorbitant financial cost.

Adding to the woes are the collateral damages caused by this illegal soil extraction, including road breakages as vehicles traverse the village throughout the day. Despite the community's persistent efforts and applications to various departments seeking intervention to prevent soil erosion, their disappointment remains unabated.

In response to these unfolding events, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Minhajul Islam expressed his lack of awareness regarding the matter but assured that swift legal action would be taken to address the issue comprehensively. The situation remains fluid, and the fate of the Brahmaputra riverbanks hangs in the balance as authorities grapple with the complex web of environmental degradation, illegal activities, and the potential unraveling of crucial infrastructural projects.

The relentless and illegal soil extraction along the Brahmaputra riverbanks in Chilmari poses an imminent threat to the delicate river ecology. Urgent intervention is essential to safeguard the environment, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the longevity of crucial infrastructural projects. Halting these destructive practices is paramount for the sustainable coexistence of communities and their invaluable natural surroundings.