Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, June 24, 2026 (BSS) – Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation Dr Shahadat Hossain today said that people who have encroached on canals must vacate them voluntarily; otherwise, legal action will be taken against them.

He made the remarks while inaugurating various canal and stream excavation projects as part of ongoing efforts to re-excavate canals and streams to reduce waterlogging, improve the environment, and restore the natural flow of water in the city.

He made the comments during an inspection of the re-excavation works of Dhulunia Dhala Chhara, Khagaria Chhara and Khoshal Shah Chhara in Ward No. 1 of the South Pahartali area.

“Those who have occupied canals and streams must remove their illegal structures voluntarily. In many places, slabs and other structures built over canals are obstructing cleaning activities,” he added.

He also said a systematic approach is being adopted to identify the causes of waterlogging on a ward-by-ward basis.

The mayor said initiatives are underway to prepare a Development Project Proposal (DPP) for 40 canals across the city.

Key water bodies such as Khagaria Chhara and Khoshal Shah Chhara will be included in the initiative. There are also plans to deepen the canals, construct retaining walls, remove illegal encroachments, and build modern walkways.

He said maintaining the normal flow of canals and water bodies connected with the Halda River is essential to protect the river.

“Our objective is to gradually restore these waterways and reduce the waterlogging problems faced by city residents,” he added.

Addressing the local community, the mayor stressed the need for active public participation in monitoring the quality of ongoing excavation and renovation works. He said the project will be implemented with a commitment to ensuring quality.

He sought cooperation from city residents to build a clean, environmentally sustainable and waterlogging-free Chattogram.

Chattogram City Corporation Chief Conservancy Officer Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, along with relevant officials, local public representatives, political leaders and community leaders, was present at the event.