<i>RCC starts smashing historic 'Dhopkal' </i>
DEVELOPMENT AT THE COST OF TRADITION: A 73-year-old water supply tank, locally known as Rani Hemanta Kumari Dhopkal, lies mangled at Sagarpara in Rajshahi city as authorities allowed demolition of the traditional water supply points for development work. Photo: STAR
Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) smashed two 73-year-old water supply tanks, locally known as Queen Hemanta Kumari Dhopkal, on the plea of road development work early yesterday. One 'Dhopkal' was in front of the recently demolished Utsab Cinema Hall and another was in the northwestern corner of Dainik Barta Complex in Kumarpara area of the city. Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton said the city corporation recently approved an application of local ward councillor Abdul Hamid Sarker Tekon for removing the 'Dhopkal' near Dainik Barta Complex to implement a road- widening project. He, however, expressed his resentment at smashing the other 'Dhopkal' and told this correspondent that he would investigate the mater and take action against the persons responsible. The city dwellers yesterday condemned demolition of 'Dhopkals' and will hold a protest rally in the city today. Some 100 'Dhopkals' were set up in Rajshahi town 1937. Queen Hemanta Kumari of Puthia donated Tk 2.50 lakh for the unique water supply network for Rajshahi town. RCC Executive Engineer Parvez Mahmud said there were 47 'Dhopkals' when RCC was set up in the 80s and now there are nearly 20 'Dhopkals', many of which connected with water taps are still in operation.
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