Illegal pipes have been installed to supply sand at five points of the 500-meter dam that preserves the banks of the Jamuna River in Sirajganj.

This has made the river bank conservation dam vulnerable even before being pressed into service. If the river rises during the monsoon season, the dam is expected to break at any moment and inundate at least five unions, including the city.

Also read: Low-lying areas in Sirajganj flooded as Jamuna's waters keep rising

Meanwhile, a written complaint has been filed with the deputy commissioner to stop the installation of the illegal pipes.

Ranjit Kumar Sarkar, sub-divisional engineer of the Local Water Development Board, said the spot has been inspected.

Sand traders have been informed to remove these pipes. If the pipes are not removed immediately, necessary measures will be taken, he said.

Also read: 40 metres of spur dam in Sirajganj washed away in Jamuna

Deputy Commissioner Mir Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman said legal action will be taken if complaints are received.

According to sources, pipes have been installed in five places of the 500-meter Jamuna River bank conservation dam from Ranigram to Gunerganti Lemon Mor in Ward-7 of Sirajganj Municipal Area.

The sand pipeline has forcibly taken over many houses. Locals have told journalists that influential sand traders have cut the dam and installed sand pipes. As a result, the villagers have suffered a lot, including disruption in the movement of vehicles through this road.

Also read: Drone footage of collapsed dam shows ruined structure, devastation and no sign of life

Municipal Councillor Hossain Ali alleged that the sand traders have installed dredger pipes on the roads leading to Ranigram and Kobdaspara for personal gain.