Rangpur: The High Court Division on Monday issued a directive to prepare an action plan for the restoration of the Shyamasundari Canal in Rangpur district. The court demanded explanations from the defendants on why their inability to safeguard the canal from pollution and encroachment should not be deemed unconstitutional and unlawful, as it contravenes the constitution and existing laws.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the court’s order includes formulating an action plan to restore the canal to its original state. This involves determining the canal’s boundaries according to its main flow, evicting encroachers, identifying pollution sources, controlling pollution, and ensuring proper maintenance. The plan must be submitted to the court in a report within three months.
The court further questioned why an order should not be issued to delineate the canal’s boundaries per the Cadastral Survey and main flow. The order also seeks to protect local residents’ rights to cultivate and fish, improve their quality of life, evict encroachers, and preserve the canal properly.
The directive was communicated through a press release signed by Advocate S. Hasanul Banna, a lawyer for the Bangladesh Supreme Court and the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA). The court instructed the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner, Rangpur City Corporation Administrator, Rangpur Water Development Board Executive Engineer, and Rangpur Environment Department Director to report on the implementation of the court order.
The division bench of the High Court Division, comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury, issued the order following an initial hearing of public interest litigation (No. 15571/2024) filed by BELA.
The Shyamasundari Canal, originating from the river Ghaghot in Kellabond Mouza of Rangpur Sadar upazila, spans approximately 16 square kilometers. It flows through various regions of the city and eventually joins the river Ghaghot again. However, illegal structures, including shops and houses, have gradually narrowed the canal, obstructing its main water flow.
The canal is also severely polluted with waste materials such as liquid waste, plastic, polythene, sewage, and household waste. Consequently, the canal has lost its natural features, turning into a stagnated water body. The pollution has led to the disappearance of aquatic animals, forcing local farmers and fishermen to seek alternative livelihoods.
BELA filed the public interest litigation to protect the Shyamasundari Canal, a vital water drainage system in Rangpur city, from ongoing encroachment and pollution. The defendants in the case include several high-ranking officials and departments responsible for water resources, land, environment, fisheries, and local administration.
Advocate S. Hasanul Banna represented BELA, assisted by Advocate Touhidul Alam, while Deputy Attorney General Tanim Khan prosecuted the case for the state.