Grabbing canal for farming fish
Some influential locals have reportedly built dams in at least 10 places of the 2.5-km Char Immersion Government Canal in Patuakhali's Rangabali upazila for farming fish.
A Patuakhali court recently directed Rangabali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nurul Islam Majumdar to investigate and take action against the encroachers, as the canal's water flow has been disrupted.
Galachipa Senior Judicial Magistrate Md Mamunur Rahman passed the order, after a report on this matter was published in a newspaper on September 1. The court ordered that the probe report be submitted by October 13, said court sources.
The court also directed the OC to submit the names and identities of those involved in this activity in the probe report.
OC Nurul, however, said, "I didn't get such instruction from the court. I'll take necessary steps after that."
Due to encroachment, the normal flow of water has now been disrupted, said locals.
Local influentials have been cultivating fish for years by building dams, they added.
Farmer Kalam Chowkidar said when it rains, houses and arable land get submerged.
Another farmer Masum said they do not get enough water for irrigation as fish cultivators do not allow them to use the water.
Seeking anonymity, locals also said influentials, led by one Monir Howladar, are occupying the canal and building enclosures.
Contacted, Monir denied the allegations.
This correspondent visited the areas and tried to talk to workers at the enclosures, but everyone refused to talk.
Mamun Hossain, deputy assistant agricultural officer of Rangabali, said, "At least 10 dams obstruct the normal flow of water."
Rangabali assistant commissioner (land) Salek Muhid said, "We will take necessary steps in this regard."
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