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Doliya Lake shrinking fast in Khagrachhari

One-third already gobbled up as authorities unconcerned

28 February 2009, 18:00 PM

NATIONAL

Jasim Majumder, Khagrachhari

Encroachment on Doliya Lake in Matiranga upazila under Khagrachhari district continues under the very nose of authorities while pollution makes the water unusable.Photo: STAR

Doliya Lake in Matiranga upazila headquarters is shrinking fast as land grabbers are constructing buildings and makeshift structures by encroaching upon it. Water of the lake has also become polluted due to dumping of garbage and wastes. Sources said the 12-acre artificial lake was created in 1980 to provide pure water mainly to nearby market areas. Later, it became lifeline of the upazila headquarters and a major source of fish cultivation. Matiranga upazila administration has been looking after the lake from the beginning, sources confirmed. Bazar committee sources said, each of 25 business establishments built by the side of the lake was given 20 feet land. But each of them has now encroached upon over 50-100 feet by gradually filling up the lake. This correspondent during a recent visit saw at least 100 structures on the land of the lake. Some of the encroachers also showed papers claiming 'lease' from the market committee, locally known as Bazar Fund. Contacted, Bazar Fund official Monzurur Rahman denied leasing out any land by the body. Terming it false, he said the upazila administration should take action against the grabbers. "We provided them with all sorts of assistance," he said. Sources said, Matiranga upazila administration recently identified eight grabbers but no action was taken against them. The grabbers are local influential people and they belong to two major political parties--Awami League and BNP, sources said. To keep the lake pollution free and earn more revenue through fish cultivation, the administration recently divided the lake into three parts --Doliya Lake (Ka), Doliya Lake (Kha) and Doliya Lake (Ga). The 'Ka' portion was leased to Krisok Somobaya Samity for Tk 75,900 while 'Kha' was given to Upazila Matsya Somobaya Samity for Tk 75,900 and 'Ga' was leased to another body for Tk 83,700, sources said. Alleging favouritism, sources said that the lake was leased out at a 'throw-away rate.' Mohammad Khalilur Rahman, secretary of local body of the environmentalists -- Paribesh Andolon Forum, said once attractive Doliya Lake is losing its size and beauty. "The water of the lake has become polluted as shopkeepers are dumping waste indiscriminately in it. We shall launch a tougher agitation soon," he said. "We are going to lose a unique recreation spot," lamented Mohammad Nasir Ahmed Chowdhury, a resident in the area. As the authorities took no step to demolish illegal structures, slums also mushroomed on its bank. The lake is hardly eight acres now in place of its 12 acres, he said. Matiranga Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman, who joined office about two months ago, said he is yet to visit the spot but vowed to free the lake from encroachers and restore its beauty.