Encroaching a large portion of road as well as the footpath on both sides of Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway, a vested group of traders is conducting business of construction materials setting up numerous stalls. Due to the stalls of bricks and concretes set up on the Chakmarkul to Ramu bypass portion of the highway, smooth movement of vehicles is being interrupted regularly creating long tailback while pedestrians are also suffering immensely.
During a recent spot visit, it was found that major portion of the two-km long Ramu-Chakmarkul road have gone under the hands of encroachers. Bricks, concrete, sand and other materials have been piled up on the footpath and road indiscriminately by the traders, narrowing down the six-foot wide footpath to such an extent that it was not possible to walk for a single person. Even the road divider has been used by the traders to keep their goods, turning the highway into something of a storehouse of construction materials.
Locals alleged that the traders have occupied the footpath permanently. Those who failed to acquire any portion of the footpath have grabbed part of the highway
