High Court Orders Survey of Kaptai Lake for Illegal Structures

The High Court has mandated a survey of Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, seeking to identify and report on owners of illegal structures encroaching on the water body. The Rangamati deputy commissioner and the Department of Survey's director general are tasked with conducting this survey, using the lake's original map. They must submit their findings by January 6.

This directive stems from a supplementary petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB). The organization raised concerns about the illegal occupation and pollution of Kaptai Lake, which is crucial for a hydroelectric power project. Previous eviction efforts faced challenges in identifying encroachers due to land ownership claims.

HRPB's senior lawyer, Manzill Murshid, informed the court that the lake's condition could impact power generation. The court's order aims to address the ongoing encroachment and pollution, ensuring the lake's integrity and its function in power generation.

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Kaptai Lake, which was created for a hydroelectric power project, was being subjected to illegal occupation and pollution, potentially affecting power generation.