DSCC to file cases against illegal footpath occupiers, seize goods

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam has warned that legal cases will be filed and goods seized from those who occupy roads and footpaths to set up unauthorised shops.

He said the corporation was stepping up efforts to clear public spaces and ease traffic congestion.

He issued the warning on Saturday while speaking as the chief guest at a special mosquito control and cleanliness drive organised to mark the DSCC’s weekly ‘Cleaning Day’. The programme was conducted simultaneously across all 75 wards of the corporation.

Abdus Salam said illegal hawkers and roadside stalls contributed to traffic congestion, indiscriminate waste dumping and obstructions to pedestrian movement. The corporation would take action against those occupying roads and footpaths to relieve city residents of these problems, he added.

He said appeals to humanitarian considerations would not justify setting up shops by occupying public roads and footpaths. Anyone operating outside the rules set by the DSCC would face legal action, and their goods would be seized.

Regarding the removal of illegal shops from roads and footpaths in the New Market area, the administrator said another eviction drive would be conducted there next week. He stressed that hawkers would not be allowed to occupy roads under any circumstances.

Emphasising cleanliness as a key measure to control dengue, Abdus Salam said there was no alternative to maintaining clean surroundings. Water must not be allowed to remain stagnant for more than three days, he added.

He also said cleanliness campaigns, awareness rallies and publicity activities would continue to protect the capital’s environment, control air pollution and reduce traffic congestion.

During the drive, Abdus Salam said the secondary transfer station (STS) in front of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office in Malibagh had been relocated at the CID authorities’ request in the public interest. A parking facility had been established at the site, he added.

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He said construction of a new STS to manage waste from the area was under way and would be completed by the end of this month.

The cleanliness drive began in front of the CID office and proceeded through Shantinagar, Kakrail and Nayapaltan before ending in Fakirapul. During the operation, the administrator inspected waste clearance and the removal of unauthorised shops at various locations.

DSCC cleaning and mosquito control workers took part in the day-long programme alongside local residents. Loudspeaker announcements and awareness rallies were also organised in different wards.