DoE files case against 3 over building shopping mall by filling pond in Ctg
During a site inspection on 24 July, DoE officials confirmed that the pond had been filled and replaced with the market building.
The Department of Environment (DoE) has filed a case against three individuals for allegedly filling a pond and constructing a four-storey shopping mall in Raozan upazila of Chattogram.
Md Ashraf Uddin, research officer at the DoE's Chattogram office, filed the case with Raozan Police Station yesterday evening (4 August), said Deputy Director Muzahidur Rahman.
The accused are Saber Ahmed Talukder, 55, of Uttar Gashchi village in Bagowan union; Md Rokon Uddin, 42, and Md Lokman, 45 — both sons of late Md Ibrahim from Badupara village in Pahartali union under Raozan upazila.
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According to the DoE's preliminary investigation, the incident took place between 2010 and 2011 in Unasattorpara mouza of Pahartali union. The land, under BS Khatian No 2131 and BS Dag No 6250, was officially recorded as a pond spanning 67.50 decibels. It now houses a multi-storey commercial structure named DN Plaza.
During a site inspection on 24 July, DoE officials confirmed that the pond had been completely filled and replaced with the market building. Locals informed investigators that the pond had existed prior to 2010, but was gradually filled by the accused using alleged political influence to facilitate the construction.
Back in 2010, when the matter was initially brought to the DoE's attention, the then director (monitoring and enforcement) imposed a fine of Tk2,30,580 and directed the accused to cease all filling activities, remove the soil and construction materials and restore the pond.
The accused also submitted a written commitment to comply on 7 March 2011.
However, they failed to honour the commitment and went on to complete the construction of the shopping mall, the DoE said.
