DNCC orders eviction of canal encroachers
Illegal canal occupiers in Mirpur must remove their structures within a specified deadline, warning of legal action for non-compliance, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan has said.
He issued the instruction while inspecting canal cleaning activities at the Sangbadik Colony canal in Kalshi on Wednesday, saying public funds should not be repeatedly spent on cleaning canals that are soon re-encroached.
The administrator said eviction drives would be carried out with the support of local residents if illegal structures are not removed within the stipulated time.
He added that an emergency one-week cleaning programme has been launched to provide temporary relief from waterlogging in the area, while discussions will also be held with local residents and housing associations to find a permanent solution.
Md Safiqul Islam Khan said long-term mismanagement of the canal has led to severe waterlogging in Mirpur, adding that repeated clean-up efforts had failed due to continued encroachment.
He stressed that there is no alternative to recovering canals and restoring proper drainage systems to address the crisis.
The DNCC administrator further said there would be no rehabilitation for illegal occupiers, although limited time extensions could be considered on humanitarian grounds through discussion.
He also urged residents to stop dumping waste into drains and canals, warning that public awareness is essential for a lasting solution to waterlogging.
