'Protect rivers, canals'

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) forms a human chain near Rayer Bazar Martyred Intellectual Mausoleum in the city yesterday demanding demolition of illegal structures along the rivers and water bodies of the city. PHOTO: STAR

Political will is a must to evict the encroachers, they said, adding that the local people also have to be united to protect the Buriganga, Shitalakhya, Turag, Balu, Debdholai rivers as well as Atir Khal and Haikkar Khal.

They also called for strict enforcement of the Wetland Act 2000 and proper management of rivers, canals and wetlands as per government decisions.

"The influential people and the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) have recently started to encroach on Atir Khal and Haikkar Khal by dumping garbage into the canals and constructing culvert although changing the nature of wetlands is against the law," said Mohidul Haque Khan.

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) organised the rally at Rayer Bazar in the city demanding necessary steps to enhance navigability of the rivers, remove brickfields and illegal establishments from the banks of the water bodies and to take action against the encroachers.

"Whenever we meet the authorities to discuss the issue, they show a very positive attitude towards protecting the water bodies. But in reality, they do nothing in this regard," said Bapa Joint Secretary JK Baral.

Joint Secretary of Bapa Mihir Biswas, executive committee member Dr Abdul Hai Majumder, Dr Nuruddin, Zahedur Rahman and representatives of Green Voice and Peace were also present at the rally.