Ilambazar: The local residents at Ilambazar in West Bengal's Birbhum district alleged that huge tracts of Ajay river bed are being encroached by land mafias and real estate brokers. Protesting against this illegal encroachment, the members of a local theatre group have staged a play on the banks of river Ajay. They said that it's their unique way to draw the attention of the district administration towards the issue.
The locals also said that encroachments are being done by the land mafias to construct restaurants, resorts, residential complexes and coffee houses. It is being done in the name of tourism, they said.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Partha Gupta, Director of the theatre, said that they have marked their protest against the illegal encroachments on the banks of rivers Ajay and Kopai. "The natural flows of the rivers are being obstructed due to the encroachment and also nature is losing its charm. We have started our protests which will continue in coming days too," he added.
It is to be noted that last month, the people of Shantiniketan had also protested against the illegal encroachment going on the banks of river Kopai.
Also Read: Locals worried about encroachments on Kopai river bank
