Chattogram:Chairman of Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Engineer Belayet Hossain, has called on residents of the port city to engage in tree planting within their homesteads to help restore its natural beauty. He emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and encouraged the installation of rooftop tanks for rainwater collection.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CDA chairman also addressed the issue of illegal occupation of roads and footpaths by hawkers, stating that such activities will not be permitted. However, he assured that necessary steps would be taken to rehabilitate those affected.
The remarks were made during an event at Bakalia, organized by the Chawkbazar and Bakalia thana units of the Jubo Dal, in celebration of the organization's founding anniversary. Belayet Hossain highlighted the extensive damage suffered by the hills in Chattogram due to actions by previous governments, unplanned urbanization, and corruption, which have led to significant environmental degradation.
He further pointed out that many buildings have been constructed over canals and drainage channels, severely affecting the city's natural environment and beauty. Additionally, he noted the illegal occupation of large government land tracts, construction of buildings beyond permitted limits, and the lack of parking facilities in many hospitals and educational institutions.
The event was attended by Chattogram City Jubo Dal Organizing Secretary Emdadul Haque Badsha, Vice-President Nasir Uddin Chowdhury Nasim, Chawkbazar thana Jubo Dal Convener Md. Selim, and Bakalia thana Jubo Dal Convener Ismail Hossain Ledu, among others.