Allegations have been made against the municipal authorities for occupying the canal and constructing the drain in Patuakhali. According to the complaint, the conscious citizens of the area have demanded to open the 13 feet canal named Katakhali of Ward No. 8 of the municipality. Residents claim that such a small drain will not be useful in this densely populated area. Municipal authorities are constructing drains with the connivance of alleged unscrupulous persons to occupy the land on both sides of the canal. In this regard, on June 13, an application was made to the municipal mayor Mohiuddin Ahmed and a direct open discussion was made, but no remedy came. Later, on June 21, a complaint was made in writing to the Deputy Commissioner that he was not getting any remedy even though he applied to rescue the canal. Complainant Zafar Ahmed said, “If the drain is constructed, the land will increase on both sides and my land will also be affected, but I and my neighbors will suffer from waterlogging.” So if I save the canal, not the land, the environment will be better. Currently, due to waterlogging, the breeding of mosquitoes has increased. It is difficult to stay at home after evening. In addition, the residents are at risk of dengue. The municipality is continuing its operations at night due to the application of the District Commissioner. Patuakhali district press office made a written request on behalf of the local residents to highlight such activities of the municipality through the journalists as they are not getting any remedy due to repeated dharna. In this regard Patuakhali District Commissioner Md. Nur Qutubul Alam said, “I am not aware of the fact that the complaint was made before my joining.” Action will be taken after looking at the complaint. In this regard, Municipal Mayor Mohiuddin Ahmed said that the complainant has been summoned. He said that the matter will be confirmed and action will be taken. In this regard, 8th Ward Councilor Delwar Hossain Akon said that the residents want to restore the canal as before. I also want to save the canal on behalf of the public. In addition, Champa Mridha, President of Women’s Awami League of Ward No. 8, said, “We want to save the canal.” Although an appeal has been made to the municipality to save the canal, no remedy is forthcoming. It is an irregularity of the municipal authorities. I demand legal action against this irregularity.
