List of canal encroachers being prepared: State Minister

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam on Saturday said all canals in Dhaka will be recovered and a list of encroachers is being prepared to take legal action against them, reports UNB.
"Encroached canals will be recovered according to CS records and maps. We are preparing a list of illegal occupiers and strict action will be taken against them in accordance with the law," he said.
The state minister made the remarks while visiting Zia Sarani Canal and Kutubkhali Canal under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area.
DSCC Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam was present during the inspection.
Mir Shahe Alam said Tk 3.00 billion has been allocated to excavate the Zia Sarani Canal and reconnect it
with the Buriganga River through a planned channel.
"The project will begin in July this year with funding from the city corporation," he added.
The minister alleged that no development project was undertaken for the Zia Sarani Canal over the past 19 years partly because it was named after former president Ziaur Rahman.
He said excavation of the canals will begin after the upcoming monsoon while cleaning activities have already started.
Highlighting public responsibility, the minister said residents living near the canals have also contributed to the current condition by dumping waste into the waterways.