Locals alleged that some influential people are running a profitable business of stone lifting from Chilka, Versa, Karatoya, Chawai and Dahuk Rivers after blocking the river’s flow with sand, badly affecting the environment. Locals said if authorities concerned would not stop the stone lifters now, these rivers would die soon. We will take stern actions to stop illegal stone lifting.”In Boda upazila of the district, local people dare not protest against this illegal stone lifting, fearing harassment and life by the stone lifters as they are involved with political parties. Towhidul Bari Babu, president of Panchagarh Environment Parishad, said: “Stone lifters are lifting stones from the embankments of the rivers. On one hand, stone lifters are causing loss to farmers by lifting stone from river banks and adjoining farmlands and on the other hand they damaging rivers by blocking the river’s flow with sand.”He said: “Stone lifters activities are affecting the environment very badly.”Deputy Commissioner Amal Krishna Mondal of Panchagarh said: “Panchagarh was blessed with gravel stone.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 14, 2017 19:33 UTC