RANGPUR, Sept 07: A section of dishonest people have unlawfully set up enclosures with bamboo fences on Manas river to catch fish at different areas of Gangachara upazila under the district.
Locals alleged that the authority concerned seems to be oblivious to the matter.
They alleged that some influential people have been catching fish illegally in the river from Gajghanta area to Mouvasha area for a couple of weeks.
They have illegally put enclosures with bamboo fences at around fifteen places across three kilometres under the upazila.
Every day a large quantity of fish are being trapped in the net which is put in the bamboo fence. Due to bamboo fence the natural flow of the river is also being obstructed, they said.
According to experts owing to such adverse circumstances the navigability of the river may be jeopardised, resulting in less production of fish.
The people of the affected areas alleged that the upazila administration has not taken any action against the illegal activities despite submission of complaints several times.
Motahar Hossain, a resident of Kagojipara village in the upazila who earlier earned his livelihood by fishing in the river, said he has recently begun working as a day labourer as real fishermen are not allowed to catch fish there following "occupation of the river by some dishonest people."
Saiful, 20, a resident of Gajghanta area said he had to receive 16 stitches on his back as he hit a hidden bamboo pole in the river when he jumped into the river for taking bath few days ago.
Upazila Fishery officer Badruzzaman said putting fence on any portion of river is prohibited by law. Necessary steps will soon be taken to stop such malpractice, he added.
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