The government has decided to immediately evict 13 big structures, including a five-storey building, constructed illegally by occupying rivers around the capital. The decision was taken yesterday at a taskforce meeting held at the secretariat, with shipping minister Shajahan Khan in the chair. Water resources minister Anisul Islam Mahmud, environment and forest minister Anwar Hossain Manju, land minister Shamsur Rahman Sharif, lawmaker Sanjida Khanam and senior officials attended the meeting. “We'll evict all illegal structures occupying riverbanks surrounding the city in phases. No one will be able to construct structures by filing up riverbanks anymore,” Shajahan Khan told reporters after the meeting. Relevant maps from the land and survey department will be consulted to resolve objections against setting up of river demarcation pillars, the minister said. “The shipping ministry will allocate funds for the National River Protection Commission within seven days to collect the maps. District deputy commissioners will have to take decisions regarding objections against demarcation pillars within one month,” Shajahan Khan said.
The minister also said that a circular would be issued  to prevent people from occupying riverbanks. The order will remain in force until completion of the new survey. The taskforce has given strong directives to the authorities concerned and local district administration in this regard, he added.
“Many pillars have been removed in many places for personal interest. Besides, some unscrupulous people have been cutting away the rods of the pillars set up in the upper part. So, more strong and RCC demarcation pillars will be set up,” the minister said. The taskforce also sought media assistance and to publish reports against encroachment.