Recovery of Jamalpur's canals from illegal encroachment stressed. Photo: BSS

JAMALPUR, April 17, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a consultation meeting today emphasized the urgent need to recover canals from illegal encroachment to protect the environment.

They said it is imperative to reclaim the Bania Bazar canal - a crucial water reservoir - from encroachers to safeguard the environment and alleviate the suffering of local residents.

The demand was raised at a meeting organized by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) at the office of a local non-governmental organization (NGO) in the district town.

Speakers said a section of people has illegally grabbed parts of the canal and constructed structures, severely disrupting the natural flow of water.

As a result, large areas under wards 5, 6, and 7 of Jamalpur municipality become submerged during the rainy season, they said. They also noted that indiscriminate dumping of garbage into the canal is polluting the environment and exacerbating the suffering of the townspeople.

President of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan's district unit, Engineer Md Shahidulla, presided over the meeting.

A total of 32 participants, including NGO workers, journalists, social workers, and other stakeholders, took part in the consultation.

Divisional Coordinator of BELA, Gautom Chandra Chanda, was the main speaker at the event.