155 illegal structures removed in Purbachal, 1.86 hectares of protected zone reclaimed

The area, recently declared an “ecologically critical zone”, is now off limits for any construction or farming

Authorities in Gazipur’s Kaliganj Upazila have demolished 155 illegal structures and reclaimed 1.86 hectares of government land in the Purbachal New Town Project.

The eviction drive was carried out on Monday morning in Sector 24 and 25 of Parabarta area under Nagari union, said Upazila Nirbahi (Executive) Officer (UNO) Tanima Afrad.

UNO Tanima led the drive with the support of Kaliganj Assistant Commissioner (Land) Nuri Tasmin Urmi.

Members of police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansar, and other law-enforcing agencies were also present during the operation.

The interim government has recently designated 58.27 hectares in Purbachal’s Sector 24 and Sector 25 as a special biodiversity area.

The site is rich in diverse species of trees, birds, insects, and small animals.

To preserve its ecosystem, all forms of construction, land grabbing, and agricultural activity have now been banned.

Tanima said at least 44 people had illegally occupied the land and built 155 structures “without legal documents”.

Nigar Sultana, an inspector from the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department, said the government remains committed to both national and international goals on environmental and biodiversity protection.

Official figures show that forests currently cover 15.58 percent of the country, with tree cover at 22.3 percent.

Bangladesh plans to raise that figure to 25 percent by 2030 in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

She added that the government is focusing on social forestry, reserved forests, coastal plantation, and rural afforestation to fight the effects of climate change, while also working to raise public awareness.

Nigar confirmed that Monday’s drive reclaimed nearly 1.86 hectares of the protected biodiversity zone.

UNO Tanima described the area as extremely environmentally sensitive.

She said the eviction followed government orders, and steps will be taken to protect biodiversity in the zone going forward.