Alipurduar43 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
Gfx by Maddiwar Ajit Kumar
Allegations of soil trafficking from a highway construction project have surfaced in broad daylight in Shalkumarhat, Alipurduar, with dumpers allegedly unloading soil along a state highway and in nearby low-lying areas.
On Sunday afternoon, several dumpers were reportedly seen entering Shalkumarhat and unloading soil taken from an area near the Shiltorsha riverbed. Some of the soil was allegedly dumped beside the road and near a temple to fill low-lying areas.
Dumper stuck, causing major traffic jam
The operation reportedly led to disruption when one of the dumpers became stuck on the state highway, causing heavy traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters.
According to local sources, soil is being excavated from the riverbed area at Gararjot and transported to Raichenga, Assam More and Balurghat for highway construction work. Locals claim only the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has permission to excavate soil for the project.
Illegal network exploits soil shortage
With soil reportedly difficult to obtain for private land filling and construction, an alleged network has emerged in the Shalkumarhat and Palashbari areas. Locals are accused of purchasing the highway construction soil to fill roadside drains and low-lying land.
Driver alleges political direction behind dumping
Dumper driver Rafizul Islam claimed that the soil was meant for highway construction and alleged that political leaders had instructed them to dump it at the location. However, he declined to identify the leader.
Toto driver Rakesh Hossain alleged that more than 10 dumpers had openly dumped soil in the area on Sunday. He accused those involved of illegally transporting and selling the soil and questioned the administration’s alleged lack of action.
BJP leader denies party involvement
A local shopkeeper involved in filling land said soil was otherwise difficult to obtain and claimed he purchased it because he needed material to fill his property.
BJP Falakata 3 Mandal committee vice-president Suren Sarkar denied that anyone from his party was involved. He said that if anyone was found connected to the activity, the matter would be reported to senior party leaders and investigated.
NHAI says soil meant for highway
The NHAI said soil excavated for the highway project is supposed to be used for highway construction. Officials added that the dumpers could belong to private individuals and said the entire matter was being examined.
The incident has raised questions over administrative monitoring after dumpers were allegedly allowed to stop openly on the state highway and transport and sell soil from a highway construction project.
