Bamboo fencing in river for fish farming
Some local influential people have put bamboo enclosures in the Arial Kha River for fish farming in Kismat Thakur Mallick area of Kedarpur union in Babuganj upazila under the district, badly affecting agriculture, water transport and environment.
Protesting the matter, local people formed a human chain a few days ago.
During this correspondent's visit to the area, locals said thousands of farmers and fishermen families depend on the Arial Kha River for livelihood.
Two months ago, a local leader of ruling Awami League and his associates started fish farming in about half a mile portion of the river in Kismat Thakur Mallick area.
For this purpose, they put bamboo fences, obstructing movement of boats in the waterway connecting with Muladi upazila of the district.
Irrigation for boro farming is badly hampered due to the callous act, said Mohiuddin Mia, a local farmer.
General people could not catch fish from the natural water source for two months, he added.
Several locals said they informed the upazila administration, but no action was taken as the perpetrators are influential ruling party activists.
Bakahid Hossain, upazila nirbahi officer of Babuganj, said none was permitted to start pisciculture project by creating any obstacle in any open water flow.
"We formed an investigation committee about this matter one week ago. We will visit the place as soon as possible and submit report," said Sukumar Biswas, director, Directorate of Environment, Barisal.
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