Chawra canal, a victim of greed
Barguna's Chawra canal is on the verge of extinction due to encroachment and pollution.
Locals alleged that some influential people have illegally occupied the government canal in Talukdar Hat area of Amtali upazila by constructing permanent and semi-permanent structures on its both banks.
These encroachers have built at least 200 structures there, narrowing the waterbody. Besides, the canal's water is being polluted due to the dumping of waste.
It all started after the construction of a bridge over the canal in 1990, when some people occupied its banks on both sides and established commercial establishments.
They are among over 200 influential people who did the same. They are receiving a huge profit from these business centres, while the canal is slowly dying, said locals.
Contacted, one of the alleged grabbers, Moti Member, said, "I own a piece of land near the canal and I am operating my business there. There's nothing illegal about it."
The rest of the alleged encroachers refused to comment on the matter.
Garbage and human waste are constantly dumped into the canal from residential buildings and nearby shops. As a result of pollution, people of the area are now unable to use the water of this canal, said Altaf Hossain, a local resident.
Many of the residents echoed the same. They also said they were too afraid to speak out against the powerful grabbers.
Contacted, Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (additional charge) Sadiq Tanveer said, "Legal action will be taken against those who have illegally occupied the canal and built commercial establishments and semi-finished houses."
"The canal will be freed from the hands of the encroachers," he said.
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