Editorial
PM's directive on eviction of river grabbers
It should be followed to the hilt under strict monitoring
WE commend the prime minister for her consistent and relentless pursuit to free the rivers and wetlands of illegal occupants and polluters. Reflecting a shared sense of urgency, she has been persistent with her directives to all concerned to reclaim the rivers from the hands grabbers and polluters kindling fresh hopes for a revitalisation of the city's life line that the rivers are.
There is no denying that periodical drive to shoo away the illegal occupants is not enough. Many of the wetlands in and around Dhaka as well as the major rivers serving the capital have been filled up under the nose of corrupt officials. And those who have indulged in these illegal acts in violation of specific laws and orders of the government are culpable for the great harm they have and are causing to the environment, and as a consequence, to the people.
How often have we seen the encroachers resuming their occupation very soon after they were evacuated, making a mockery of any half-hearted eviction drive. And there is much truth in the PM's statement that there was collusion between the authorities who have turned a blind eye to these damaging activities when our environment was being destroyed by some crooked and dishonest people.
Not only are the canals and rivers vanishing, those that exist are also being so badly polluted that it has rendered their water unfit for use by either humans or the fish and marine life. In fact, if anything, many species of river fish are disappearing because of unchecked disgorging of effluents and wastes from the industries.
What we need now is a compliance with PM's directives and a strict monitoring of their implementation. What must be kept in mind is that the task is a huge one that would require coordinated action of all relevant agencies. It would also require increase in manpower of these departments so that a continuous monitoring of the areas can be put into effect along with the recovery operation.
We suggest that a list of priority areas be drawn up and reclamation action be initiated in a systematic way. But it is just not enough to free the lands and rivers and wetlands. Not only must those responsible be taken to court they must be made to bear the cost of reclaiming the land also. Given that many of the offenders are rich and well linked, the PM's directive, that no one however influential should be spared, must be followed in full.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments