Legal action awaits canal encroachers: CCC Mayor

Canal encroachers must voluntarily remove their illegal structures; otherwise, legal action will be taken against them, said Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain.

He made the remarks while inaugurating various canal and stream excavation activities as part of the ongoing re-excavation programme aimed at resolving waterlogging in the city, improving the environment, and maintaining the natural flow of water.

The mayor inaugurated the inspection and re-excavation work of Dhulunia Dhala Chhara, Khagaria Chhara, and Khoshal Shah Chhara in Ward No. 1 of the South Pahartali area on Wednesday.

The mayor said that canals and streams are assets of the city residents. He noted that the waterlogging situation has become increasingly severe due to the encroachment and pollution of these water bodies.
Those who have encroached on canals and streams must voluntarily remove their illegal structures, he said. Slabs and other structures built over canals in many places are obstructing cleaning activities. Initiatives have been taken to identify these problems and implement comprehensive cleaning measures.

He also said that work is being carried out in a planned manner to identify and address the causes of waterlogging in the ward.

The mayor said that work is underway to formulate a Development Project Proposal (DPP) for 40 canals in the city. Important water bodies, including Khagaria Chhara and Khoshal Shah Chhara, will be included under the project. Plans also include increasing the depth of canals, constructing retaining walls, removing illegal encroachments, and building modern walkways.

He emphasised that ensuring the normal flow of canals and streams connected to the Halda River is essential for protecting the river. Many canals and streams have lost their navigability due to long-term neglect.

Addressing local residents, the mayor said that their active participation is necessary to monitor the quality of the ongoing excavation and renovation work.

He assured that the project would be implemented while maintaining proper standards and quality.
He also sought the cooperation of city residents in building a clean, environmentally friendly, and waterlogging-free Chattogram.

CCC Chief Sanitation Officer Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, along with concerned officials, local public representatives, political leaders, and other dignitaries of the area, was present at the event.