Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Monday put on hold alleged illegal filling activities in parts of Gulshan Lake, a protected area, until further notice after receiving complaints in this regard.

On Monday afternoon, on the adviser’s order, a team from the Department of Environment (DoE), led by Executive Magistrate Faizunnessa Akhter, conducted an on-site investigation in the area. During the inspection, they found evidence of lake filling in some parts of Gulshan Lake.

As a result, the DoE issued a notice to stop all filling activities in the identified portion of the lake until further orders. They also warned that legal action would be taken if the instructions were violated. DoE officials claimed such kind of anti-grabbing operations would continue across the country.

Gulshan Lake is classified as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA), where filling is strictly prohibited under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act.

DoE Director General Dr Abdul Hamid stated that such drives would continue to prevent environmental pollution and protect the country’s natural resources.