WITH alleged support from a section of officials, the encroachment of Karnafuli banks is still rampant by some powerful quarters flouting the High Court order. Quoting investigation report done by the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), the media yesterday reported that none of the 2,181 illegal structures has been removed from the river since the HC issued the order on August 16, 2016 for removing all illegal structures. Not only that, more than 100 new structures have been built illegally on both sides of the river further choking its 16 km stretch from its estuary.
Not only HC order was violated, rather most of the illegal structures have been built also defying the existing laws for protecting rivers and water bodies as well as the Environment Protection Act 995 and Article 18 of the Constitution. The structures are jetties, dry docks, a privately owned special economic zone, brick kilns, buildings, boat clubs and others. NRCC Chairman said no action was taken so far to implement the Commission’s 16-point recommendation to Chattogram Port Authority, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner and the other relevant agencies. These structures are now obstructing the river’s water flows as well as causing erosion and siltation.
The encroachment is also visible at the end point of Rajakhali, where the canal meets the Karnafuli. Bangladesh Lighter Ship Workers Union General Secretary said that the siltation in the Karnafuli increased manifold over the decades keeping pace with the encroachments. Though the task of evicting illegal structures lies with the Chattogram Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Chattogram City Corporation, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and Water Development Board, none of them raised even a finger toward the encroachers till the date. What’s most significant is that, the encroaching coupled with sewerage and industrial pollution has intensified in the recent years. Currently, near about 800 factories release untreated waste into the river through 15 canals in front of the eyes of Environment Department.
The Karnafuli River is the lifeline of the Chattogram Port. But unchecked encroachment and widespread contamination are threatening its very existence. We hope, the authorities concerned will take immediate steps to save the river. The misery of the river must be ended.
