Dhaka: Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan has issued a stern warning to individuals illegally occupying canal land in the Mirpur area, urging them to dismantle their structures within a specified timeframe or face legal consequences.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the DNCC administrator made these remarks during his visit to the Sangbadik Colony canal in Kalshi, emphasizing the adverse effects of canal encroachments on residents. He highlighted the futility of using public resources to repeatedly clean the canals only to see them re-clogged due to illegal constructions. Khan stated that if the illegal structures are not voluntarily removed, official operations will be launched to dismantle them, with the assistance of local residents.
The DNCC plans to conduct an emergency cleaning of the canal over the next week to offer temporary relief from waterlogging issues. Additionally, discussions with house owners’ associations and local residents are slated to seek a long-term resolution to the persistent problem.
Khan attributed the severe waterlogging in the area to the prolonged mismanagement of the canal. He noted that despite multiple cleaning efforts, the canal reverted to its previous state quickly, prompting DNCC to pursue a more sustainable solution. He underscored the necessity of reclaiming canals and maintaining an operational drainage system to alleviate waterlogging for residents.
Khan dismissed the possibility of rehabilitating illegal occupiers, stating that those who construct on government land illegally must accept responsibility. Nonetheless, he mentioned that requests for additional time to remove structures might be considered under humanitarian grounds.
Expressing his concern over the rampant disposal of waste into canals and drains, Khan urged residents to exhibit responsible waste management practices, as cleaning efforts alone are insufficient without public cooperation.