Protection of Rathkhola pond from encroachers demanded

Sr. Staff Reporter, Kishoreganj :

The Environmentalists and local residents on Saturday afternoon staged a demonstration at Rathkhola in the town demanding steps to protect a pond of the area from illegal encroachment. Under the banner of Save the Environment Protect Movement, they formed a human chain near the pond and called for punishment to those involved in filling the century-old pond. They said the pond helps prevent waterlogging during the rainy season and its water is also used to put out any fire. Local people also take baths in the pond. PARAM convener and ruling Awami League leader Principle Shafi Sadi said once there were many ponds, water bodies and many canals in Kishoreganj. Most of them were filled up by land grabbers and fell victim to unplanned urbanisation. The move to grab Rathkhola pond is a violation of Wetland Protection Act 2000, the environmentalists said. It was addressed among others by Senior Advocate Ashok Sarkar, Sheikh Chamber Director Sheikh Farid, Advocate Golam Rahman Tutol, and DoE Inspector Noyon.