Save Dhaka’s six canals from encroachers

Environmentalists today formed a human chain in Dhaka demanding the authorities concerned to take steps for saving the six canals in and around the capital from encroachers.

The canals are: Haikkar Khal, Atir Khal, Lautola Khal, Uttarpara Khal, Birbir Khal, and Chandrima Khal.

DHORA, Buriganga Riverkeeper, and Buriganga River Morcha jointly organised the human chain on the bank of Haikkar Khal in Bosila area of Dhaka's Mohammadpur.

"These six canals in Mohammadpur, Bosila, Rayerbazar, and West Dhanmondi are dying as those are being taken over by development projects and encroachers," said Manik Hossain, former president of Bosila Old Government Primary School's managing committee.

"No one knows the name of Haikkar Khal now because the canal has disappeared due to illegal encroachment. The others are also disappearing fast. We must recover these canals," said Umme Salma, a member of Buriganga River Morcha.

Sharif Jamil, DHORA's member secretary, Mir Mohammad Ali, assistant professor of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Amjad Ali, leader of Turag River Morcha, and Mahir Daiyan, a volunteer with Buriganga Riverkeeper, also addressed the event.