The upazila administration in Kotalipara of Gopalganj has freed a 500-metre stretch of a canal from illegal encroachment during a drive on Monday.
The drive was led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Masum Billah, who oversaw the removal of bamboo fences and other establishments from the canal on the western side of Kushla Bazar.
Local sources said a group of influential individuals—including Faruk Sheikh, Yusup Sheikh, Milon Fakir, Mizan Sheikh and Samshul Sheikh—had occupied the canal by installing bamboo barriers, obstructing its natural flow.
Acting on complaints, the administration carried out the drive and cleared the encroached portion of the canal. But, locals alleged that several places the canal remains occupied by permanent structures and shops. They demanded immediate steps to fully recover and dredge the canal.
The alleged encroachers declined to comment when approached.
Kushla UP Chowdhury Sultan Mahmud Kalu said complete eviction is necessary to restore the canal’s functionality. “If fully recovered and excavated, the canal will ease irrigation, support farming activities and increase fish production,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Masum Billah said the canal is a natural waterflow and warned that encroachment would hamper agricultural activities in at least seven to eight surrounding villages. He added that similar drives will continue across the upazila.
