Welfare assoc constructs structure on public land defying locals protest

Earth dug out and pillars being constructed for a permanent structure on public land at Sector-3 of Uttara in the city by Uttara Sector 3 Kallyan Samity, defying protest of the locals. The photo was taken yesterday. Photo: STAR

Defying protest of the locals, a community welfare association is constructing a permanent structure on public land at Sector No-3 of Uttara in the city, which is likely to cause environmental hazards and hamper the sewerage system.
Uttara Sector 3 Kallyan Samity has already started construction of a permanent building of the association although Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) allotted the land for making its temporary office, locals said.
Moreover, to build the structure it has already cut some trees and filled up parts of the Uttara lake, the residents alleged.
Mohammad Abdul Latif, president of the association, however, said they secured approval from Rajuk to construct a temporary structure but a few people are protesting it for their personal interest.
The association will build a tin-shed building, he said.
During a visit to the spot, this correspondent found some concrete pillars erected between Road No-20 and the lakeside walkway on the sewerage line. There is also an electricity line and transformer inside the land of the structure.
Golam Hossain, a resident of the area, claimed that if the structure is made it will halt the sewerage system and create waterlogging.
He alleged that some trees have been cut down to erect the structure.
Prof Dr Jonaid Shafiq, a member of the association, told the correspondent that the kallayan samity actually planed for a commercial office there, which is not acceptable in the residential area.
Engr Kamruzzman, a resident of the area, claimed that the association has two offices in the area but similar associations are running their activities with one office.
ABM Siraj Uddowlah, a life member of the association, said he is against the construction and the samity did not hold any general meeting to take the decision.
Locals have already sent a letter to Rajuk but it did not pay heed to the matter, he added.
Contacted, Deputy Director of Rajuk of Uttara Zone Mohammad Musa told The Daily Star over phone that they have allotted one khatha of land for making the samity office on temporary basis but did not demarcate the place.
He said there is no scope of establishing permanent structure at the land of Rajuk and they will take action if anything happen like this.
About complaint of the residents, he said he could not remember whether he received any written complaint in this regard.