Fish farming on leased canal
People living beside the government waterbody deprived of using its water for daily works
People living along both sides of a canal in Harinakundo upazila are suffering immensely as an influential syndicate has been forbidding them to take bath or use its water for their personal household works.
A local influential syndicate, mostly ruling party men, took lease of the 15 kilometre canal, locally known as ‘Harinakundo Khal,” for Tk 5.66 lakh in October 2018.
Before the lease, local farmers used to rot their jute plants here while many used to catch fish for a livelihood.
Besides, many village women are dependent on the canal water for household works.
Villagers said seven local ruling party men took the lease of the canal for three years.
The syndicate members and their men has set up bamboo fences across the canal at different spot, many locals, seeking anonymity, said, adding that, the locally influential men also warned them not to bath or use the canal water.
During a visit to the area near Harinakundo Bazar this correspondent saw the lessees have set up a number of bamboo fences at different places across the canal for fish cultivation.
A local resident, seeking anonymity, said seven local Awami League (AL) leaders, including Upazila AL Senior Vice President Sajedul Islam alias Tanu took the lease of the canal.
Another villager said due to the bamboo fences the canal water has become very dirty.
It is totally unfair to lease such an important canal, he said, adding that the canal should remain open to all.
According to Jhenidah Zila Parishad office, the government canal has been leased for three years from October 01, 2018.
Zila Parishad General Secretary Rezai Rafin Sarkar said, according to the condition of the lease, if any one prevent the locals from using the canal water the lease will be cancelled.
He will look in to the matter, Rafin said.
When contacted, one of the lessees Tanu denied the allegation brought against them and said none had been prevented from using the canal water.
They have taken the lease by maintaining all the rules and regulations, he added.