Bishalgarh, Feb 19: Tension gripped Bishalgarh on Thursday as sand vehicle drivers and labourers staged a protest in front of the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) office, alleging that they have not been issued sand permits for the past six months. The protesters warned that if the issue is not resolved immediately, around 400 affected families will block the national highway on Saturday.
The agitating drivers claimed that despite possessing valid carrying licences and all required vehicle documents, the Bishalgarh SDFO office has been denying them sand permits. As a result, their livelihood has come to a standstill, pushing their families into severe financial distress. Many drivers said they are struggling to pay vehicle instalments and meet basic household expenses.
According to the protesters, they had repeatedly approached the concerned officials and were assured that the problem would be resolved within two months. However, no action has been taken so far. They also informed Bishalgarh MLA Sushanta Deb about the matter but alleged that the issue remains unresolved.
Sources from the Forest Department reportedly cited documentation issues related to certain sand ghats as the reason for withholding permits. However, the drivers argued that any discrepancies in ghat documentation should be addressed by the department and should not affect vehicle owners who possess valid papers.
The protesters further alleged that no officials were present at the SDFO office when they arrived to submit their grievances.
Due to the non-issuance of sand permits, several government and private construction works in the region have reportedly come to a halt, adding to the growing unrest in the area.
The situation has created considerable tension in Bishalgarh, with authorities yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
