Encroachment of the Shitalakkhya

Arecent photo in this newspaper showing the illegal setting up of shipyards on the banks of the Shitalakkhya after filling it up and changing its course at Kanchpur area in Narayanganj underscores the lack of commitment of the authorities to save our rivers from  illegal encroachments, and the Shitalakkhya, one of the main sources of water for Dhaka city. 

It is extremely disturbing to see the unscrupulous activities go on unabated under the very nose of the BIWTA, the body responsible for protecting the rivers although the High Court, in 2009, directed the government to take necessary steps to stop encroachment, earth-filling and unlawful construction of structures on the banks of four rivers including the Shitalakkhya. What has followed is even more frustrating. As soon as an eviction drive ends, the encroachers, reportedly, return to continue with their land-grabbing. At least Tk18 lakh has so far been wasted from public exchequer to carry out six eviction drives at a single site along this river.

This is, however, not an isolated case. Rivers and even canals are being filled up in different parts of the country for commercial gains causing severe environmental hazards. According to another recent report, the Karnaphuli, a lifeline of Chittagong city, is in peril due to widespread encroachment and unregulated waste disposal.

We renew our call to the government to act immediately to hold the agencies accountable whose job it is to not only prevent illegal grabbing of public land but also prosecute those responsible for it. Also, a nationwide campaign to safeguard and develop our rivers may yield positive results in this regard.