The drives to dismantle illegal structures built on the rivers often face a hurdle due to political lobbying, alleged Dr Mojibur Rahman Howladar, chairman of National River Protection Commission.

He said this while visiting Halda and Karnaphuli rivers in Chittagong yesterday.

He claimed that all the brick kilns along the Halda had been shut down except for one owned by a political leader. Also, the Halda is being polluted through the canals that flow into it. He emphasised that establishing central ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) at the mouth of the canals could save the river from pollution.

He also blamed the industries for polluting the Karnaphuli by discharging effluents into it.

“The responsibility of saving rivers falls on government organisations such as Wasa, city corporations and Water Development Board. So the commission is formed to coordinate the initiatives. We have a long way to go,” he added.