The High Court yesterday directed the government to demolish all illegal structures from the banks of Bharani canal in Barguna and submit a “report of compliance” in this regard.

The court also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned of the government to explain why their failure to demolish the illegal structures and keep the canal's water flow normal should not be declared illegal.

The HC also asked the authorities to show causes why they should not be ordered to restore the canal to its previous state by demolishing illegal structures and evicting encroachers from the banks of the canal.

The bench of Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif and Justice Razik-Al-Jalil issued the order and rule following a writ petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela), seeking necessary orders for protecting the canal.

The deputy commissioner and superintendent of police in Barguna, the upazila nirbahi officer, and the assistant commissioner (land) have been made respondents to the rule and asked to comply with the HC order within 30 days.

Advocate Ali Mustafa Khan appeared for Bela.