The Chilai River, a major river of the Gazipur district, has become heavily polluted as a result of contamination from illegal structures, settlements and factories built on its banks.
River encroachments and road construction along its banks have turned the 23 kilometre long, once-fierce river into a dead and narrow canal.
The river is in dire need of conservation, and the district administration has now become aware of the situation and is taking necessary measures for its restoration.
Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Dr Dewan Mohammad Humayun Kabir said: “The Chilai River is soon to be dredged after the eviction drives against river encroachments.
“We shall settle the river boundaries and deploy mobile courts in the area to prevent further irregularities,” he added.
“The Ministry of Water Resources has funded Tk 95 million in this regard, which will be used to restore the river and build an Eco-park around it to transform the area into a tourist spot,” he also added.
He further said that some illegal structures were already brought down and claimed work diligently to restore the river to its former glory.