36 illegal structures removed from Chalan Beel tourist area

GURUDASPUR, NATORE, June 21: The Upazila administration on Saturday evicted around 36 illegal structures from Bilsha, a popular tourist destination in the Chalan Beel area of Gurudaspur Upazila.

The eviction drive, conducted from morning to noon, removed small and large makeshift shops and other unauthorised structures that had been set up along the Chanchkoir�"Bilsha�"Kundail road over a long period, according to local sources.

Locals said various individuals had been running businesses by illegally constructing shops and temporary structures along the roadside. 

Despite repeated notices and public announcements through loudspeakers by the administration, the encroachers reportedly failed to vacate the area, prompting the authorities to carry out the drive in the public interest.

The operation was led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fahmida Afroz and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Asadul Islam in two separate teams. Police, Fire Service, Ansar members and village police assisted in the drive. Following the eviction, the Bilsha tourist area has now been cleared and fully opened up.

However, several evicted small traders demanded rehabilitation. They said allocation of shops in a proposed two-storey government market should be ensured without influence and affected traders should be given priority.

“The drive was carried out to preserve the natural beauty of Chalan Beel and ensure convenience for tourists. 
Rehabilitation of affected traders will also be considered in line with rules while allocating shops in the government market,” said Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fahmida Afroz.