Structures being built on grabbed Patuakhali canal

Land grabbers have continued illegal construction after occupying a canal at Nachnapara in Kalapara upazila under Patuakhali district, thanks to the indifference of the authorities concerned. PHOTO: STAR

Some land grabbers are constructing permanent structures, encroaching upon a canal in Nachnapara area under Kalapara upazila of the district.
Local people said the land grabbers led by Mostafa Matabbar and Mamun of the area have filled up a large portion of Nachnapara canal under Khepupara mouja, but local administration are yet to take any steps in this regard.
They have developed 334 plots on around 90 decimals of khas land for sale, locals added.
While visiting the spot on Monday, a team of local journalists found that a boundary wall has been erected on the grabbed land.
Contacted, both Mostafa Matabbar and Mamun claimed the ownership of the land, but they could not show valid documents in support of their claim.
Local land office sources said they were not aware of the matter. “We will visit the area soon and take necessary steps in this regards,” said Tahshilder Jahirul Haque.
When the matter was brought to Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO)  Md Jahangir Hossain, also the acting assistant commissioner for land, he said none can build any structure on khas land without taking permission from the authorities concerned.
“We will soon investigate the matter and take legal steps against the land grabbers, the UNO said.