Shitalakshya encroachment: Illegal farming, brick kilns spread in Kaliganj

Widespread encroachment has been reported along the banks of the River Shitalakshya in Kaliganj upazila of Gazipur district, where vegetable gardens, brick kilns, houses and shops have allegedly been constructed inside the river’s demarcated boundary pillars.

During a field visit on Thursday (February 19) to several areas including Nargana, Jamalpur and Kaliganj in Gazipur, a concerning picture of river encroachment emerged.

lthough boundary pillars marking the river’s limits are visible in multiple locations, locals said these demarcations are being ignored.

On the north side of Sramik Ghat adjacent to Jamalpur Bazar in the upazila, an influential group has allegedly been occupying portions of the river for a long time. Brick kilns, residential houses, shops and even multi-storey buildings have reportedly been constructed by illegally filling parts of the river with soil.

Local sources claimed that such activities are obstructing the natural flow of the river, reducing its navigability and inwing areas during the monsoon season. Agricultural land and homesteads are reportedly being damaged, while local biodiversity is also under threat.

Several residents, requesting anonymity, said the river was once much wider in this section and boat traffic moved normally. However, due to continued filling and encroachment, navigation has become difficult and operations at the workers’ wharf have been disrupted.

Environmental pollution has also intensified due to black smoke and waste emitted from the illegal brick kilns operating along the riverbank, locals alleged.

Environmentalists said that constructing structures by encroaching on rivers is a punishable offense. Such actions not only threaten the environment but also jeopardize the livelihoods of future generations. They have called for an immediate eviction drive, proper demarcation of the river boundaries and removal of all illegal structures.

Residents have urged the local administration to take swift action, alleging that fear of reprisals from influential individuals previously prevented many from speaking out. They warned that if effective measures are not taken promptly, this stretch of the Shitalakshya may shrink further.

Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer ATM Kamrul Islam told reporters, “I have been here for five months, and there has been no eviction drive during this period. I will take measures in this regard.”