Drive to free Louhajang from grabbers begins

The district administration in a drive removed at least 100 structures to free the Louhajang river from illegal occupation.

Government officials, teachers, journalists, freedom fighters and representatives of different environmental organisations and civil society were present during the drive.

Earlier, the administration asked the encroachers to remove their illegal structures on the Louhajang by November 15, otherwise drive would be launched to evict them on November 29.

Mohammad Sanwarul Haque, assistant commissioner (Land) in Tangail Sadar, said following the direction, they yesterday started the eviction drive and removed the illegal structures on the river.

Initially, the plan was to recover two-kilometre area from Beradoma Bridge to Hazra Ghat area under the municipality on the river, he said, adding that the drive will continue to free the river from illegal occupation.

In the last two months, the district administration took different initiatives, like distribution of leaflets, human chain programme and mass signature campaign to create awareness among the townspeople.

Originating from Dhaleswari in Baisnabbari area in Sadar upazila the 76-kilometre-long river flows through the district town and falls into the Bangshai river in Jamurki area under Mirzapur upazila of the district.

Several local environmentalists said the river, a lifeline for townspeople, is almost dead due to mindless grabbing.