Illegal enclosures in Belan river jeopardise Rangpur fish output

RANGPUR, Oct 23: A section of unscrupulous people have illegally put enclosures with bamboo fences for catching fish in Belan river at different areas of Khansama upazila under Dinajpur district for long, jeopardising fish production in the areas.

Sources alleged that a good number of influential people of the upazila illegally put enclosures with bamboo fences in many places including Hashimpur, Vandardaho, Telipara, Govindapur under the upazila in order to catch fishes in the river which is severely threatening fish production in the areas, but the authority concerned are yet to take any steps in this regard.

Due to the bamboo enclosures, smooth flow of water in the river under the areas is seriously being hindered. Local agriculture is also hampered owing to massive water logging in the vast open water body, sources further alleged.

Locals said everyday a huge amount of fishes are being trapped in the net which is put in the bamboo fence. Due to bamboo fence natural flow of the river is also being obstructed, they also said.

Rabiul, a resident of Telipara village, who earlier earned his livelihood by fishing in the river, said he recently began working as a day labourer as real fishermen are not allowed to catch fish there following occupation of the river by some dishonest people.

Hafizul, a farmer of Hashimpur village said his 25 decimals of crop land have already been gone under water due to river erosion, caused by fence in the river. He requested the occupiers to remove bamboo fences from the river several times but they did not pay heed to him, he further said.

Locals alleged that owing to enclosures movement of boats has also been obstructed across the river. Earlier, people of the areas used boat for crossing the river, they said.

Upazila fisheries officer Anna Rani Das said putting fence at any portion of river is forbidden by law. Officials concerned will visit the area soon and ask the illegal occupiers to remove the fences. If the fences are not removed soon they will take stern action against the illegal occupiers. They also sought assistance from the UNO in this regard, the official added.

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