Illegal structures in Hatirjheel demolished

The authorities bulldoze around 50 illegal establishments in the Hatirjheel canal near Sonargaon Hotel in the capital yesterday. Photo: STAR

The authorities yesterday demolished around 50 tin-shed and concrete structures at the edge of the Hatirjheel Canal near Hotel Sonargaon in the capital.
In presence of a magistrate and police, Rajuk workers using hammers and a bulldozer knocked down the illegally built houses and commercial structures.
“We have completed our job without any hassles,” said Doulat Akbar, officer-in-charge of the Ramna Police Station, after the several hours long drive.
Police said the authorities had issued notices to the illegal occupants and announced the eviction drive with loudspeakers a day before the drive.
However, some evicted people alleged that the authorities displaced them without arranging any alternative shelter for them.
The government has designed a project to save the Hatirjheel and Begunbari wetlands, the largest retainers in the city, to ensure proper stormwater drainage.
A four-lane peripheral ring road will be constructed under the integrated project.
Earlier, the government planned to make an elevated roadway connecting the Tongi Diversion Road with Rampura Bridge and Gulshan.