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MAGURA, June 20: Unauthorised sand lifting is posing a threat for the bridge over the Gorai river.
Gorai Bridge stands on the Dhaka-Khulna Highway connecting Kamarkhali village of Faridpur district and Wapda village of Magura district.
The bridge acts as the entrance gate to the south-western region from the capital city. Everyday hundreds of vehicles cross the bridge to reach their destinations.
The newly-proposed economic zone in Maghail area under Magura district is very close to the bridge. In the mean time, 300 acres of land have been acquired to set up the zone.
Consequently importance of the bridge has increased to a great extent. But due to unabated sand lifting, the bridge is facing the threat of collapse.
According to the Sand Lifting Act 2010, sand lifting within one km of a bridge is prohibited. But sand is being lifted within 50 metres of the bridge.
During a visit to the sand lifting area, this correspondent saw workers lifting sand within 50 metres of the bridge using an excavator. The workers said they lift about 100 trucks of sand a day.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), Faridpur Aslam Mollah said, "We have sanctioned lease to the lease holder for lifting sand. But there are some conditions. Lease holders cannot lift sand endangering bridge violating Sand Lifting Act. I will take necessary action after visiting the spot."
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), Magura Farid Hossein sand lifting within one km area of a bridge is prohibited. If lease holders violate this act, stern action will be taken in this regard.