Administration removes illegal piles of sand and stones in Tentulia for the safety of tourists

The Upazila administration has started a drive to remove piles of sand and stones illegally kept on both sides of the Banglabandha Highway in Tentulia, Panchagarh. The drive was conducted on Friday (November 7) morning under the leadership of Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Afroz Shahin Khasru.

According to local sources, sand, stones and brick piles were being stored illegally on both sides of the highway from the Dakbungalow Picnic Corner area to Banglabandha Land Port for a long time. This had made movement on the road risky and was also causing suffering to tourists.

These illegal piles were removed with the help of a vacuum cleaner during the drive. The administration said that this drive was conducted to prevent accidents on the road and ensure safe movement of tourists.

The Upazila administration had earlier verbally instructed the traders to keep the road clear, but this was not followed. As a result, this time the drive was carried out in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the Roads and Highways Department, the Department of Environment, and local voluntary organizations.

Assistant Director of the District Environment Department Yusuf Ali, Highway Police SI Shahin, Sadar UP Chairman Masud Karim Siddiqui, environmental activist Mahmudul Islam Mamun, and representatives of several voluntary organizations including Tentulia Tourism Development Association, Help Society, Shapla Blood Foundation were present in the drive.

Assistant Director of the Department of Environment Yusuf Ali said,

"Under the leadership of the upazila administration, we have started an awareness campaign to prevent accidents. Those who are breaking the rules and placing construction materials on the side of the road will first be made aware, and then legal action will be taken."

Upazila Executive Officer Afroz Shahin said,

"We have started this campaign to ensure the safety of tourists and the general public. Such campaigns will continue to reduce road accidents and prevent air pollution caused by sand and stones."

The administration has informed that another campaign will be conducted in the Banglabandha land port area tomorrow, Saturday.