Editorial
River channels under threat
Sand traders and BIWTA staff unholy nexus
THIS is yet another story of devilish connection between ones whose job it is to ensure the navigability of the water channels, and sand traders who excavate rivers to extract sand, defying the orders and bending the rules for illegal gains. The whole system of oversight has been cast overboard because most in the loop are allegedly involved in the illegal deal.
Reportedly, not one or two persons but an entire chain of the BIWTA, its hydrographic, ports conservancy and engineering departments, seems involved in the nexus, that is turning a blind eye to the illegal excavation of water channels in the vicinity of the capital and extraction in excess of ten times the permitted quantity of sand than allowed by the contract because those in public employment have been bribed by the contractor to turn a blind eye; and the contractor makes no secret of it.
This is not only causing damage to the river channels and forcing the rivers to alter course, thereby posing a threat to the lives and property of those residing by the riverbank, it is also a potential risk to the underconstruction third Buriganga Bridge, according to site engineers.
We find it rather incomprehensible that some unscrupulous officials of the BIWTA would take advantage of the absence of a policy on excavation of river beds to mint money at the expense of public safety.
The absolute lack of concern on the part of the relevant officials of the inland water transport authority is illustrated by the fact that they had not taken any action to prevent excess extraction; and their orders to the contractor to suspend work were not given of their own volition but after a report was published in this newspaper and public outcry raised by the inhabitants of Basila.
The relevant authorities must sit up and take note. Not only there is no policy on extraction, the contactors do not have even the requisite expertise. Some excavations take place even when the river, like the Buriganga, needs no dredging at all, because, according to officials, extraction has been a long standing practice. It is time these people, who feathered their own nest disregarding public safety, were taken to task and meted out the severest punishment.
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