The High Court on Tuesday ordered the eviction of 508 illegal establishments along Gumti River within six months.
The HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md Bashir Ullah passed the order after disposing of a rule issued in this regard 14 years ago.
Advocate Manzil Murshid stood for the petitioner.
The HC also asked the Water Development Board to take decision over the proposal of dredging within three months and settle the issue of allocating money needed for the eviction drive within this period.
The Superintendent of Cumilla Police and Upazila Nirbahi Officer have been asked to monitor as none can occupy the river illegally.
During the hearing Manzil Murshid said a list had been prepared with names and addresses but none was evicted yet.
In 2011, a human rights organisation Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh filed a writ petition.
On March 2, 2011, the High Court asked to submit a list of those involved in occupying the lands of Gomti River and fixed the demarcation boundary of the river through survey.
During the survey, the local administration identified 623 illegal establishments and informed the court to take steps to evict the 265 illegal establishments.