Free Kalyanpur \\\'Ka\\\' canal from illegal occupants : Minister

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan on Friday ordered the authorities concerned to evict unauthorised structures from the both sides of Kalyanpur 'Ka' canal near Orthopedic Hospital in Shayamoli in the city, reports BSS.

The minister gave the order during a visit to the area.  During the last tenure of the Awami League government, different canals of the capital were recovered from the hands of illegal occupants and walk-ways were constructed on the both sides of those canals, he said, adding that as a result, the capital's water logging and environment pollution were improved significantly.

Dhaka WASA, he said, had signed an agreement with the Netherlands for re-excavation of the capital's canals. If steps were taken as per the agreement, the city would no longer face water logging and environment pollution, he added.

The minister said the government had so far been able to recover 23 out of 64 canals in the city. Steps had already been taken to evict illegal infrastructures from the both sides of 13 canals out of the 23 canals, he said adding that these canals would be renovated and walk-ways would  be constructed both sides of these canals.

Besides, the authorities would soon start work for the development of Subadda canal as necessary fund had already been allocated for the work, he said.

Shipping secretary Md Alauddin, joint secretary Md Sohrab Hossain Sheikh and officials of Dhaka WASA and city corporation accompanied the minister during the visit.