Writ seeks HC directive to free river, canals from encroachment in Noakhali, Lakshmipur

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking its directives to free encroachments on the Bhulua River and other canals to protect millions of people trapped in floodwaters in seven upazilas of Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts.

Supreme Court Lawyer Abdus Sattar Palwan filed the writ petition with the wing concerned of the High Court today (4 September).

The petition also seeks directives to prevent man-made floods.

The petition names several respondents, including the secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, the chairman of the River Conservation Commission, the deputy commissioners of Noakhali and Lakshmipur, the executive engineer of the Water Development Board, and the executive officers of the seven upazilas.

"On 23 August, The Business Standard, a national daily, published a report titled 'Encroachment and mismanagement of Bhulua River: 3 lakh people in Lakshmipur and Noakhali trapped in floodwater'. Citing this report, I filed the writ in public interest," the lawyer told TBS.

"As long as the administration does not free the rivers and the canals from encroachers, there will be waterlogging here. To protect the people, I have filed a writ petition," he added.

The petition further seeks a rule asking why the inaction and failure of the administration in preventing the occupation of rivers and canals should not be declared illegal.

Besides, it seeks directives to free the Bhulua River and other canals by collecting expenses from the encroachers.