CCTV cameras protecting Halda from poachers

Protecting Halda River's broodfish and dolphins from poachers has become much easier, thanks to a small technological initiative. Chattogram region's river police are now using CCTV cameras to monitor activities in the river.

Through the cameras -- installed at different points of the river, which is the lone source of natural carp breeding in South Asia -- police are surveilling around eight kilometres of the river round the clock.

Police officials said movement of sand-lifting dredgers, engine-run trawlers and poachers have been strictly controlled, and immediate action can now be taken following the initiative.

This initiative has been taken for the first time in the country. Eight high-resolution cameras, which cost TK 4.65 lakh, were installed last year, said police.

Superintendent Md Mominul Islam of Chattogram river police told The Daily Star, "We have installed the cameras so that no one can catch fish or dolphins, or operate sand-lifting dredgers by dodging police."

"We have installed cameras that have 360-degree movement from Madunaghat area to Amtua area. They can be accessed from the SP office and local police outpost," he said.

"Apart from that, we are patrolling the river regularly and destroying nets and other fishing tools, so that no one can interrupt breeding," he added.

ABM Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Sadarghat River Police Station, told this newspaper, "We have a temporary police outpost at Ramdas Munshirhat, where around 10 officers are working to protect the natural water body."

"Using live footage from SP and deputy inspector general's office, the local force is given directives during drives," he said. "We have also identified some key spots to install more cameras; the process is underway."

Unfortunately, despite monitoring and regular drives, a section of fishers are still casting illegal and harmful fishing nets in the river, said police and local sources.

A 10-kilometre area, from Ramdas Munshirhat to Sattar canal, is considered to be the breeding ground of brood fish during peak breeding period, say experts.