Environment Department files case against 3 for illegally filling pond and constructing mall in Chattogram
Although further directives were issued by the DoE’s Monitoring and Enforcement Wing in 2011, no formal case was filed at that time
The Department of Environment (DoE) has filed a case against three individuals for illegally filling a pond and constructing a multi-storey shopping mall in Raozan upazila of Chattogram.
A site inspection on 24 July revealed that the pond, located in Unasattorpara mouza of Pahartali union, had been completely filled and replaced by a four-storey building named DN Plaza.
In 2010, the DoE imposed a fine of Tk 2,30,580 and ordered the accused to stop the landfilling and restore the pond. The accused gave a written commitment in March 2011, but failed to comply and instead completed the construction.
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Although further directives were issued by the DoE's Monitoring and Enforcement Wing in 2011, no formal case was filed at that time.
According to the case document, the land, recorded under BS Khatian No. 2131 and BS Dag No. 6250, spans 67.5 decimals and was officially listed as a pond.
The current investigation concluded that the accused violated Sections 6(3) and 12 of the Environment Conservation Act, offences punishable under Serial Numbers 8 and 12 of the penalty table in Section 15(1).
The accused have been identified as Saber Ahmed Talukder (55) from Uttar Gashchi village in Bagowan union; Md Rokon Uddin (42) from Badupara village in Pahartali union; and Md Lokman (45), also from Badupara village in Pahartali union.
Witnesses claimed the pond existed before 2010 but was gradually filled, allegedly using political influence.
Md Ashraf Uddin, Research Officer of the DoE, Chattogram District Office, filed the case with the Raozan Police Station on Monday evening. Deputy Director Muzahidur Rahman confirmed the filing.
The case will be tried in the Environment Court, Chattogram. A DoE-appointed inspector will conduct further investigation before submitting a charge sheet or final report to the court.
