DEFYING High Court (HC) directive to the contrary, illegal housings projects have been displaying their billboards. Alongside it, work of developing the lands as well as erection of structures have also been going on in full swing on wetlands and public places. All this has been happening under the very nose of the administration and of the Rajdhani Unnoyon Kartripakkha (Rajuk), in particular. It needs mentioning that the latter is directly responsible for taking action against such illegal projects.

Surely, Rajuk is learnt to have taken action against eight such projects in and around the capital city by removing their signboards, knocking down walls as well as structures in some cases.

Questions remain as to how such illegal projects could run so long after the HC's having issued its orders to stop the work of some 77 unauthorised projects. According to a report, Rajuk action covered eight projects in Tongi, Kaliganj, Gazipur, and Khilkhet areas. But what stopped it from taking action earlier? Obviously, the finger would be pointed at Rajuk for its failure to act in time. Apart from this, we are yet to know what action has been taken against other projects out of the 77 that HC mentioned in its directive.

Unauthorised projects like these are not only openly cheating unsuspecting public with advertisements, they are also destroying ecologically vital wetlands and occupying public spaces. That calls for stronger and more proactive role of the administration, especially from Rajuk.

We appreciate Rajuk's recent move against illegal housing projects. But to be effective, it should play a stronger and more proactive role. That needs beefing up Rajuk's technical and manpower strength and bettering its image