The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has taken initiatives to set up multiple eco-parks by filling the Turag in the capital. Around one and a half kilometres stretch of the river, between Gabtoli and Sinnirtek areas, would be affected once the projects are implemented. Such initiatives of the government body that is responsible for the development and maintenance of waterways, have sparked criticism. BIWTA has conducted frequent drives to evict illegal structures but has never taken measures to excavate the river. As a result, syndicates occupy and rebuild structures on the riverbanks again and again.
BIWTA authorities said construction projects are already underway in Borobazar, Jahanabad, Diabari and Sinnirtek areas. The government could not find a better place anywhere else to build the eco-parks. Thus, these places have been selected. BIWTA has started earth-filling the Turag near the Sinnirtek landing station. The authorities dumped soil around 50 feet inside the river’s boundary demarcation line. BIWTA already fenced up the area with tin and different types of construction equipment have been brought there. In Diabari, an eco-park would be set up behind a mosque on the riverbank where the Turag has taken a V-shaped bent. The river has become narrowed at this point due to earth-filling of the bank illegally. At another spot in Palpara-Jahanabad area, the riverbank was filled illegally up to 100 feet inside the river boundary demarcation pillars.
Construction of structures inside the river boundary demarcation pillar is irrational and illegal. It is a matter of regret that a government body that is responsible for protecting rivers, now itself is grabbing riverbanks. The Turag is one of the rivers that hold rainwater runoff. If it gets narrowed, it would not be able to hold runoff water after heavy downpour. As a result, the river may overflow and cause waterlogging in the capital.
