Railway canal under illegal occupation in Lalmonirhat

A portion of the one-kilometer-long railway Fuleshwari canal has been illegally grabbed at Dalpatti Bazar area in Lalmonirhat town.

The grabbers have constructed shops on the canal, but the railway authorities are not taking any steps against those who blocked the canal.

Moslem Uddin, a resident of Dalpatti Bazar area in the town, said some parts of the railway Fuleshwari canal have been grabbed in the last four years. "We didn't dare protest against the grabbers as they are local influential people and have link with the ruling party," he said.

Abdul Karim, a local, said it is necessary to free the canal so that the sewerage system can work smoothly. The canal is connected with the Khora River in Lalmonirhat sadar, he added.

Local residents, preferring anonymity, told the Daily Star that at least 10 illegal grabbers had built shops on the canal bribing some unscrupulous railway officials.  

Sources in the Railway Divisional Estate Office (DEO) in Lalmonirhat, said the municipality authorities constructed a concrete drain in the middle of the canal six years ago for passage of sewage.