The local administration in Chattogram has begun an eviction drive to remove 2,500 illegal government and private structures ‘engulfing’ the Karnaphuli river, the ‘lifeline of Chattogram’, following a court order issued two years ago. The drive began at Sadarghat Lighterage Jetty around 10:00 am on Monday and was led by Tahmilur Rahman, assistant commissioner of the Patenga Land Office, and Executive Magistrate Touhidul Islam.
The structures adjacent to the river near the jetty were bulldozed first.
The 10 km area stretch from the estuary of Karnaphuli River in Patenga to Mohra has been divided into three zones for the drive, said the commissioner.
The structures situated from Sadarghat to Barik Building will be demolished in the first phase, he said while the structures from Patenga to Chaktai will be demolished later.
