DNCC removes 400 illegal structures from roads, footpaths

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) on Wednesday removed about 400 illegal structures occupying footpaths and roads conducting two separate drives in the city's Agargaon and Uttara areas in a bid to reclaim public spaces.

DNCC Zone 1 Zonal Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Mohammad Saiful Islam and DNCC Executive Magistrate Md Shahidul Islam led the drive in Agargaon area, says a statement.

Around 200 illegal structures were cleared from both sides of the street on the south-west side of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University.

The illegal businesses included food stalls, makeshift shops, and street hawkers, which usurped approximately 1.5 kilometers of road and footpaths.

DNCC Zone-1 Zonal Executive Officer Md. Sadequr Rahman and DNCC Estate Officer Farzana Khanom conducted an eviction drive in Uttara Sector-10. They demolished nearly 200 illegally built shops along the Ranavola Road stretching from Sluice Gate to Kamarpara.

Makeshift eateries, stalls, bamboo warehouses and nurseries were demolished during the drive. Nearly one kilometre of road and sidewalks was recovered from illegal occupation.

The statement said DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz had earlier pledged to launch regular anti-encroachment drives after Pahela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) following public hearings with residents.

The drives that took place on Wednesday marked the beginning of the crackdown, with further drives planned across different zones to free roads and footpaths from illegal occupation.

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