A section of unscrupulous people have erected structures on 2-km of Myaski canal, obstructing the free flow of water. This led to unprecedented water logging this monsoon, locals said.

Encroachments on the old Myaski canal over the years have turned the once 40-feet-wide natural canal to a 10-feet-wide drain in the tourist town, thanks to the Bandarban Municipality's indifference to its maintenance.

Army Para, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Islampur, Member Para, Officer's Club, Wapda Bridge, Bus station , Pull Para, and Army Hospital, that were free from water logging irrespective of heavy downpour in the past, remained under waist-deep water for 15-20 days this year.

Executive engineer of Bandarban Municipality, Mong Swe Khai Marma, said encroachment was one of the main reasons behind the water logging.

According to Municipality Area Plan, no structure can be set up within 15 feet of the borders of the canal area, Mong added.

Due to siltation, the canal is losing its navigability as Bandarban Municipality is not taking steps to dredge the water body, alleged the residents. "The municipality never removed silt from the canal," said Jamal Uddin of Army para and Abu Tayab of Bus station area.

Most of the residents of those areas fear that the canal will die and water logging will become a regular feature if the grabbing continues.

At least 1500 tin-sheds and buildings were found on both banks and on the canal. The brick-built structures were established in the last five-six years while the others were built 12-15 years ago, said the residents.

The people grabbed land near the canal by 'managing' the authorities of Bandarban Hill District Council (BHDC) and Bandarban Municipality.

Nurul Islam Matabbar, 50, who has three tin-shed houses on the bank at Wapda Bridge area, said he bought the land from Bandarban Bazar Fund 13 years ago, and has been regularly paying taxes to the Bazar Fund committee and also to the local mayor.

Similar statements were made by several other grabbers at Army Para, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Officer's Club and Islampur areas.

In addition to stopping of the malpractice, the residents demanded a permanent demarcation of the canal with walls.

Mayor Jabed Reza said as BHDC leased the canal area through its Bazar Fund Administrator we could do nothing to stop the grabbing of the canal.

Contacted, Bazar Fund Administrator and also chairman of BHDC, Kyaw Shwe Hla, denied the allegation and said they allocated the plots according to the law of the Bazar Fund Manual Act.