Kushtia, May 23 -- The local administration has identified at least 3,000 encroachers who have illegally occupied the banks of rivers and canals in the district, obstructing their water flow.

These encroachers have built houses, shops and markets on the rivers and canals. Now, the authorities concerned are trying to free the banks in six upazilas of the district.

"The rivers and canals have been illegally occupied," kushtia Deputy Commissioner Aslam Hossain said. "We'll take every step to restore the normal flow of the water bodies."

Already, the administration has conducted an eviction drive in GK Ghat area on the Garai River bank in the district town.

Officials said many structures have been built on the banks of the Padma, Garai an...