CCC plans to deploy 'striking force' to evict footpath grabbers

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 15: Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) has planned to deploy 'striking force' aimed at freeing city roads and footpaths from illegal encroachers.
A 20-member 'striking force' has been formed to this effect, sources concerned said. If they find any fresh encroachment, they will immediately inform the authority concerned about it and take action to evict them from roads and footpaths.
Abul Hashem, chief cleaning officer at CCC, has been assigned to lead the 'striking force'. The members of the striking force got special uniform, equipment and vehicles on Sunday.
CCC Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, "We will evict all illegal occupiers from footpaths and roads and also the land of CCC. If we can free footpaths and sidewalks from illegal occupiers, people can move smoothly."
After his announcement, the striking force was formed to prevent illegal grabbers from reoccupying freed footpaths. The members of this team will also identify whether roads and footpaths have been encroached anywhere in the city.
Mubarak Ali, President of CCC's Waste Management Committee, confirmed the matter. He said, "The number of members of the 'striking force' will be increased gradually to help demolish illegal structures in the port city."
Sources said a section of people are occupying footpaths illegally and constructing shops with bricks at Shershah, Kajirdewri, Agrabad, Patenga and many other areas in the port city.
Four feet of maximum roads are being used by the vans of hawkers, making the roads smaller.

nazim07@yahoo.com