Remove illegal structures by Nov 15 from Louhajang

The local administration asked the encroachers yesterday to remove their illegal structures on the river Louhajang by November 15, otherwise drive would be launched to evict them on November 29.

The authorities concerned served a notice to the encroachers in this regard yesterday following an emergency meeting at the deputy commissioner's office on Tuesday.

Several high government officials, teachers, journalists, freedom fighters and representatives of different environmental organisations and civil society were present at the meeting.

According to the notice, people living beside the river and those who grabbed its shorelines were asked to remove their illegal structures by November 15 and the eviction drive would start from November 29 if the encroachers fail to remove their illegal structures. The meeting urged the people from all walks of life to help the local administration in this regard.

On August 10, local lawmaker Mohammad Sanwar Hossain inaugurated the work to free the river from illegal occupation.

On that day, water hyacinth plants were cleared from Beradoma Bridge to Dighulia area in the town and the sluice gate in Jugni area was opened to allow the normal water flow of the river.

In the last two months, the district administration took different initiatives, like distribution of leaflets, human chain programme and mass signature campaign to create awareness among the townspeople.

Originating from Dhaleswari in Baisnabbari area in Tangail Sadar upazila the 35-kilometre-long river flows through the district town and falls into the Bangshai river in Jamurki area in Mirzapur upazila of the district. 

Local environmentalists said, the river, a lifeline for town dwellers, is almost dead due to mindless grabbing.

If the normal flow of the river is not restored soon the district town will be unfit for living, they said.