Stop illegal construction on Karnaphuli banks

The authorities concerned have been asked to immediately stop all the illegal construction works on the bank of Karnaphuli river in Chattogram.

National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) Chairman Dr Manjur A Chowdhury yesterday also directed the authorities to submit a report after complying with the order within a week.

He said various organisations -- including Karnaphuli Drydock -- are illegally constructing structures on the riverbanks.

"We will form an expert team on these issues. That team will determine how the riverbed will be reclaimed," he said.

"The Fisherighat of the port city was built on the river land. Many other structures, including ice mills, have been built there," he added.

He said about 95 percent of the country's export-import is implemented through the port on the banks of the Karnaphuli. The economy will suffer if the encroached areas are not freed, he added.

Karnaphuli Drydock is constructing a terminal and a jetty on the riverbank on 30 acres of land purchased from private ownership and leased from Chattogram Port Authority and the Ministry of Land in Badlapur Mouza of Anwara.

Almost all parts of the Karnaphuli Drydock are located in the river.

Karnaphuli Drydock manager Solaiman Miaji said they are doing the construction work after taking approval from the Economic Zone Authority.

Earlier, the NRCC chairman visited Patenga and bridge part of the Karnaphuli riverbank.