Three individuals penalised for illegal sand extraction in Halda River

Hathazari Upazila administration has fined three individuals a total of Taka one lakh for illegally extracting and transporting sand from the Halda River using an engine-driven dredger.

In addition to the fine, each person has been sentenced to 15 days of non-compulsory imprisonment if they fail to pay the penalty.

The operation was conducted this afternoon in the Madunaghat area of the Halda River, led by Hathazari Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shahed Arman. He was assisted by Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Shawkat Ali, the Naval Police, and Halda River guards.

The accused - Md Ibrahim, Md Hannan and Md Sabuj - were fined Taka 1 lakh each under the Sand and Soil Management (Amendment) Act 2023. In case of non-payment, each will serve 15 days of non-compulsory imprisonment.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shahed Arman said similar drives will continue to protect the Halda River's biodiversity in the public interest.