Satkhira district administration has prepared an eviction plan to remove illegal encroachments from major rivers, including the Kapotaksha, Ichamati, and Betna, to restore water flow, protect biodiversity, and preserve navigability.
The administration has identified 302 illegal encroachers after field-level investigations and re-verification by Assistant Commissioners (Land), following instructions from the National River Conservation Commission. The list, along with the eviction plan, has been submitted to the commission and published on the district administration’s official website to raise public awareness.
According to the investigation report, several rivers and canals in Satkhira have been occupied for years by influential individuals and land grabbers. Illegal structures, including houses, boundary walls, fish enclosures, ponds, orchards, croplands, brick kilns, and industrial sheds, have been built on government-owned river land.
Around 10 major encroachers have been identified along the Ichamati River in Radhanagar Mouza of Satkhira Sadar Upazila. In Binerpota Mouza, illegal boundary walls and industrial structures have been found along the Betna River. The administration said final notices have already been issued and eviction activities are underway.
Illegal rice cultivation and fish farming on river land have also been detected in several areas. Two commercial brick kilns—Kamrul SBB and Monir SBL—were identified as operating within the river boundary in Babulia Mouza.
The administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against river encroachment and pollution. A 50-day special program has been planned to recover occupied river areas before the monsoon season, with mobile eviction drives to be conducted in phases.
The Kapotaksha River basin in Tala Upazila has been identified as one of the most severely affected areas, with large-scale encroachment reported in several mouzas. However, officials said the eviction process faces challenges, including a shortage of manpower and the need to address the rehabilitation of landless families living on river land.
Madhav Chandra Dutta of the Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA) urged authorities to enforce river protection laws strictly, saying rivers are state assets and essential for the survival of Satkhira’s environment and communities.
Satkhira Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mainul Islam Main said the administration has started implementing the eviction plan and will launch large-scale drives after receiving the necessary funds from the Ministry of Land.