PHOTO: STAR

SOHRAB HOSSAIN, Patuakhali

An ice plant is being constructed by illegally grabbing and filling the Bura Gauranga riverbank in Char Montaz union under Rangabali upazila in Patuakhali, local residents alleged.

The construction has been continuing over the past month on the east side of the launch ghat area, just south of Manta Colony.

Officials concerned described such activities as unlawful.

Workers at the site said the ice facility is intended to support fishermen, given the area’s proximity to the Bay of Bengal.

Visiting the site recently, this correspondent saw that excavated soil from the riverbank was being used to fill adjacent land, where labourers were erecting permanent structures.

Locals alleged that one Saidur Rahman Khan is involved with the construction. Workers at the site corroborated the allegation.

Contacted, Saidur claimed ownership of the land and possession of valid documents. However, despite repeated requests, he did not produce any papers in support of his claim.

Lincoln Bayen, Barishal divisional coordinator of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), said no portion between a river’s lowest and highest water levels can be occupied. Such alterations disrupt natural flow, accelerate siltation and may ultimately threaten the river’s existence, he added.

Hamidul Haque Bachchu, tahsildar (land revenue officer) in Char Montaz, said poor administrative oversight in the remote union creates opportunities for encroachment.

“The matter has been reported to the upazila administration, and documents have been sought from those involved, but none have been submitted so far,” he added.

Nahid Bhuyan, upazila nirbahi officer in Rangabali, termed cutting soil from a riverbank and building structures as “completely illegal”, adding that no permanent construction is allowed on khas (government-owned) land.

“We are looking into the matter. If the activities are confirmed, eviction drives will be carried out,” he added.

Mohsin Uddin, additional deputy commissioner (Revenue) in Patuakhali, said necessary action will be taken following an investigation.