Rangpur: The High Court Division on Monday issued a rule against several defendants, questioning their failure to safeguard the Shyamasundari Canal in Rangpur district from pollution and encroachment, labeling such neglect as potentially unconstitutional and illegal. The court mandates the creation of an action plan to restore the canal, including defining its boundaries based on its original flow, removing encroachments, identifying pollution sources, controlling pollution, and ensuring its proper maintenance. The plan must be submitted as a report within three months.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the court also inquired why an order should not be issued to delineate the canal’s boundaries per the Cadastral Survey and main flow, to secure the rights of local residents for cultivation and fishing, and to evict encroachers. These actions are aimed at restoring the canal to its original state and preserving it effectively.
Advocate S. Hasanul Banna, representing the Bangladesh Supreme Court and Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), communicated this through a press release. The Rangpur Deputy Commissioner, Rangpur City Corporation Administrator, Rangpur Water Development Board Executive Engineer, and Rangpur Environment Department Director have been directed to report on the implementation of the court’s order.
The division bench, comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury, passed the order following the initial hearing of a 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.
The canal, which traverses various areas of the city, has been subject to illegal construction activities that have narrowed its banks and obstructed water flow. The encroachments, coupled with pollution from liquid waste, plastics, sewage, and household waste, have degraded the canal into a stagnant pond, affecting local aquatic life and the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen.
BELA initiated the litigation to protect this vital waterway from further encroachment and pollution. The case names numerous defendants, including several governmental secretaries, the National River Protection Commission Chairman, and local Rangpur officials. Advocate S. Hasanul Banna represented BELA, with Advocate Touhidul Alam’s assistance, while Deputy Attorney General Tanim Khan represented the state.