Gulshan lake
Despite repeated efforts to check it, encroachment of Gulshan Lake at Road 29, Gulshan-1, is going on unabated. About a year ago ( January 29, 2003 ), a news item was published in the front page of the DS under the caption "Lake robbed overnight" with a picture of the lakebanks. It drew the attention of environment conscious readers and the authorities concerned. Unfortunately, after the publication of the news item a feeble drive against the encroachers was launched and the picture published in your newspaper will tell that the mass of land filled by the land grabbers has increased five times in one year, and the road leading to the lake has lengthened by 15 to 20 feet.
However, the law seems to be existing only on paper. Bamboo shanties are being built on the lake. It is believed that influential people with political links are behind this encroachment. Vested interests have raised illegal installations, unlicensed hotels and unauthorised habitats in Gulshan lake. This is causing ecological harm that may prove irreversible in the near future.
Your reporters will find how the lakeside is being grabbed and illegal construction is going on.
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