An important canal in Bagruna's Amtali upazila headquarters has become badly polluted and almost dead due to mindless filling and continuous encroachments.

The century-old canal, locally known as Basugi Khal, flows through different areas of Amtali town and falls into the Payra river.

Besides, the canal, which splits into two branches at the heart of the town, flows through Basugi, Nayavanguli, Manikjhuri and New Bazar areas is also connected with another canal called Chawra Khal.

During a recent visit to the upazila headquarters this correspondent saw different structures, including dwelling houses and shops, are constructed after filling of the canal at different places, which threatens the town dwellers with environment pollution and water-logging.

Locals said a group of local influential people have continued to grab Basugi Khal (canal) at different places of the town although it plays a vital role in the lives of the residents of nearby villages.

Nearly two acres of the canal land, starting from the iron bridge area, have been completely occupied by more than 50 people, including Mosharof Howlader and Rubel Howlader, locals alleged.

One Saiful Islam has built an ice mill by occupying a portion of the canal land, while on the opposite side Mosharef, Razzak Mridha and Nurul Islam erected at least eight to ten shops and earning a handsome amount from those.

Meanwhile, at least 20 to 25 people including Harun Hawladar, Kalam Hawladar and many others have built more than 100 structures in between Amtali Upazila Health Complex and Kamal Talukdar's house and enjoying benefits.

Local farmers said alongside encroachments, the water of the canal has been badly polluted as fish traders, who sits along the banks of the canal, often throw various types of waste materials into the canal.

Gafur Pada, a local farmer, said due to continuous encroachment normal water flows of the important canal has been severely disrupted, resulting in flooding during the monsoon.

Another farmer Shamim Chaprasi said they cannot cultivate any crops including paddy in their land as the canal needs to be cleared first to maintain its natural flow.

Amtali Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Tarek Hasan said they will conduct eviction drives to free the canal as early as possible.