KHULNA, July 3 (BSS) : Khulna City Corporation (KCC) this morning launched a drive to remove illegal structures from 22 canals in the city and its adjacent areas Friday.

The structures at Sabuzbag of Nirala, Nirala Canal, the Mayur River and its adjacent areas of Gallamari are being demolished.

KCC Mayor Talukder Abdul Khalek, KCC panel mayor, ward councillors, officers of KCC and members of the civil society, among others, were present during the drive.

A meeting was held on February 5 at KCC auditorium for eviction of illegal occupants from the 22 canals here.

Divisional commissioner, DIG of police, KMP commissioner, deputy commissioner, Government officials and members of the civil society, among others, were present while the KCC mayor was in the chair.

A 19-member probe committee was formed with ADC revenue of Khulna Mrinal Kanti Dev as convener and KCC Budget Officer Md Moniruzzaman as secretary general.

Later, the KCC announced the month-long eviction drive at a public function on May 7 on the basis of the recommendations of the probe committee.