Illegal occupiers of Dhaka city canals to be evicted: LGRD Minister

All illegal occupiers of canals in Dhaka city will be evicted within the tenure of this government to eliminate waterlogging problem, said LGRD Minister Md Tazul Islam.

"Necessary action will be taken as per law -- no matter how powerful the occupiers are. Projects will be undertaken to save the canals," he told UNB.

It would be possible to build multiple Hatirjheel-like large canal projects in Dhaka with walkways on both sides, the minister said.

"Illegal occupiers built large establishments over the canals using fake documents. Both the north and the south city corporations have taken control of the canals from Dhaka WASA and renovation works have already begun," added Tazul.

"About 170 out of 173 acres of canal areas in Kalyanpur have been encroached," he also added.

According to the Dhaka Deputy Commissioner's office record, there are 50 canals in the Dhaka metropolitan areas.

The existence of all these canals has become almost impossible to identify due to the huge illegal establishments.

According to experts, Dhaka city could get rid of waterlogging problems if all these canals are freed from illegal occupants.