HC orders removal of illegal structures along Gomti River within 6 months
Earlier, in 2011, a human rights and environmental organisation, Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), filed a writ petition, seeking directives to remove the encroachments and illegal structures.
The High Court has ordered the removal of all illegal structures built along both banks of the Gomti River in Cumilla within the next six months.
A High Court bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md Bashir Ullah delivered the verdict today (3 August), following the final hearing of a public interest writ petition filed 14 years ago.
The court directed the Cumilla deputy commissioner, the Water Development Board and other relevant government agencies to implement the order.
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Additionally, the superintendent of police in Cumilla and the respective upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) have been instructed to actively monitor the area to prevent any further encroachment or landfilling of the river.
In its verdict, the court stated that any form of encroachment must be strictly suppressed to preserve the natural flow of the Gomti River. It also said the illegal structures built along the river pose a serious threat to the environment, biodiversity and public interest.
Earlier, in 2011, a human rights and environmental organisation, Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), filed a writ petition, seeking directives to remove the encroachments and illegal structures.
Following the initial hearing, the High Court issued a rule on 2 March 2011, directing the authorities to conduct a survey to demarcate the river boundaries and submit a list of illegal occupants and structures to the court.
