Banshkhali upazila administration has started a demarcation campaign from Wednesday following a High court order to evict the illegal encroachments on both sides of the traditional Jalkadar canal of Banshkhali in Chattogram.
Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdul Khalek Patwari, Banshkhali Police Station OC Kamal Uddin and other administrative officials were present in the operation led by Banshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jasmine Akhtar on Thursday
Jalkadar Canal covers a large part of the upazila's heritage of 150 square miles from north to south of Banskhali. The traditional Jalkadar canal has made Banshkhali an economic zone.
This Jalkadar canal of heritage has been illegally occupied and constructed by the dominant and landless syndicate clique.
Buildings and structures are being built regularly by occupying the canal. Chambal Bangla Bazar area of Banskhali, paved buildings and shops have been built on both sides of Jalkadar Canal.
On the other hand, the Jalkadar canal has been narrowed due to day by day filling up due to erosion. Due to encroachment of water bodies and obstruction of its course, floods and heavy rains disrupt the normal flow of water, submerging farmers' crop lands and coastal public habitations. Recently, the High Court ordered preliminary delimitation for the rescue of Jalkadar Canal. In view of this, the upazila administration started the operation to eviction of the illegal construction of Jalkadar canal of Banshkhali on the orders of the High Court.
As part of the evacuation operation, initial demarcation and rescue operations have been formally started from Khankhanabad Ishwar Babur hat section.
At this time, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jasmine Akhter called on the residents to fully cooperate in the demarcation process.
She said, if anyone has any objection regarding delimitation, he requested them to contact the upazila administration directly, saying that there will be no injustice to anyone. Everyone can bring their own rights.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jasmine Akhter said, High Court has given instructions to determine the original boundaries of Jalakadar. It is ensured that no one constructs a new structure. Jalkadar delimitation program has been started as the initial work to save canal.
Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Abdul Khalek Patwari said, we have started the process of demarcation of Jalkadar on the instructions of High Court. The District Commissioner has appointed 6 surveyors for demarcation. We have spoken to the Water Development Board. They will provide a surveyor. We will define the boundaries and explain to the Water Development Board.
