Construction on Meghna, Menikhali rivers halted

The High Court yesterday halted the earth-filling and construction of structures on Meghna and Menikhali rivers in Sonargaon of Narayanganj.

It directed the authorities concerned of the government to maintain a status quo until disposal of the rules.

In response to a writ petition, the court also directed the deputy commissioner of Narayanganj to submit a report in 30 days, detailing information of those reportedly constructing structures.

The HC also issued two rules asking the respondents to explain in four weeks why their inaction to stop the encroachment should not be declared illegal. The court asked them to show causes why they should not be directed to remove the filled soil and demolish the structures and protect the rivers as per CS and RS records.

Forest and environment secretary, director general of Department of Environment, chairman of BIWTA, deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Narayanganj, UNO and AC (land) of Sonargaon, OC of Sonargaon Police Station and four others concerned have been made respondents to the rule.

The HC bench of Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif and Justice Ahmed Sohel came up with the order and rules following two writ petitions filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.

During yesterday's hearing, the petitioner's lawyer Advocate Manzill Murshid told the court that some influential people have reportedly been constructing structures encroaching upon the rivers violating Environment Protection Act-1995 and Natural Water Bodies Protection Act-2000.

But the respondents are remaining silent, he said, praying to the court to pass necessary orders to protect the rivers.

“Earth-filling and construction will remain stopped until disposal of the rules,” he told The Daily Star. Deputy Attorney General Mokhlesur Rahman appeared for the government.