Engine boats pose threat to marine life

Engine boats are being operated in Mahamaya Lake, the second largest man-made lake in Bangladesh, posing a threat to the ecological diversity of the waterbody.

Chattogram North Forest Division had a one-year lease agreement with RA Enterprise till June 30, to operate Mahamaya Eco-Park and Lake in Mirsarai.

To protect ecological diversity of the waterbody, under no circumstances shall motorised boats be operated on the lake. Violation of the conditions will cancel the contract and the security money will be confiscated, the agreement stated.

However, Zahangir Kabir Chowdhury, owner of RA Enterprise and president of Mirsarai upazila unit Awami League, violated the terms of agreement by operating over 20 engine-boats in the lake for tourists and visitors.

This correspondent obtained a copy of the lease agreement.

Experts say that engine boats cause various problems to aquatic life.

"A major impact of motorboats is that it stirs up the lake sediment, which kills food sources, hindering growth of fishes," said Mohammed Shahidul Alam, assistant professor at Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries of Chittagong University.

"Engine boats also spill oil, which depletes oxygen in the water, killing marine life," he added.

During a recent visit, this correspondent saw rows of boats docked at the lake.

While talking to Mohi Uddin, a visitor from Dhaka, he said, "I had to pay Tk 1,300 to ride a boat in the lake for two hours."

This newspaper also spoke to many boat operators to understand the money involved in the business.

"We have to pay Tk 7,000 per boat as deposit to the lessee to operate them in the lake. Besides, we also have to pay half of our daily income to the lessee as well," said Mohammed Tarek, a boatman.

The Mahamaya Lake is home to various fish species, including Rohu, Katla, Mrigel and Kalibaush, according to the forest division. Additionally, many species of migratory birds come here in mid-December and leave by March-April.

Seeking anonymity, a forest division staffer said, "We often see dead fish floating in the lake, thanks to man-made problems."

Zahangir Kabir Chowdhury, the lessee, admitted to launching motorised boats in the lake.

Asked why he was violating the conditions of the lease, he said, "I am not defying the rules, the previous lessee also used boats in the lake."

However, Shahenshah Naushad, a forest division official who oversees the lake, claimed he sent several letters to the higher authorities to take action and halt the movement of engine boats on the lake.

"I am helpless as the lease holder is influential," he added.

Contacted, SM Kaiser, divisional forest officer of Chattogram North Forest Division, refused to comment on the matter.