The Kohelia River, the sole river in Maheshkhali, Bangladesh, is under threat of encroachment for shrimp farming projects. Once a vital waterway, the river has shrunk considerably due to ongoing development projects. Now, land grabbers are targeting the remaining riverbed.

Reports indicate that mangrove forests along the Kohelia River are being cleared, and fences are being erected to occupy a one-kilometer stretch south of the bridge under construction by Mir Akter Company near Younuskhali.

Sources allege that influential groups from Matarbari Upazila are leading the encroachment. Locals claim that forest officials have been turning a blind eye to the illegal activities, including clashes with forest departments from Matarbari and Magnama, resulting in the destruction of mangrove forests and damage to the Kohelia River's embankment. Despite complaints from residents, the forest department has reportedly failed to take any action.

Locals suspect bribery between some Matarbari forest officials and the land grabbers, allowing the unchecked destruction of the mangrove ecosystem and encroachment on the riverbed. The inaction from the Matarbari forest department is facilitating the environmental damage.

Abu Bakkar Siddique, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) branch in Maheshkhali, highlighted the importance of mangrove forests in protecting coastal areas from natural disasters like cyclones. He expressed concern over the indiscriminate felling of these vital forests for shrimp farming.

Despite being informed multiple times, the Matarbari forest department's inaction has frustrated residents. However, Maheshkhali Range Officer Ayub Ali assured Voice7 News that occupying the riverbed is illegal and legal action will be taken against the encroachers soon.

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