(BSS) - An integrated committee today removed 50 illegal structures and disposed of nearly 100 tonnes of waste in the Islambagh area near the Buriganga River in the city.

The committee, comprising representatives of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Dhaka district administration, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and the Department of Environment (DoE), jointly conducted the drive in areas under Lalbagh and Kamrangirchar police stations following instructions issued by the High Court.

The High Court issued the order following a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh on September 2.

BIWTA Joint Director Mobarrak Hossen Majumder, Executive Magistrate Ashraf Uddin, Lalbagh Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Aminul Islam, DoE Dhaka city office Inspector Md Tariqul Islam, police personnel and members of the River Police were also present during the drive.

The integrated drive will continue until all illegal structures are removed, pollution of the Buriganga River is controlled, and plastic and other waste are disposed of, officials said.

Two excavators and five dump trucks were used during the drive.