Fishes, aquatic plants in Baikka Beel dying

Two dead fishes bear testimony to the degree of pollution in Baikka Beel, a sanctuary in Srimongal of Moulvibazar, due to drastic fall in water level. PHOTO: STAR

The ecosystem in Baikka Beel of Hail Haor, a large water body in Sreemongal upazila, faces a great threat due to a drastic fall in water level.
Different types of aquatic plants in the sanctuary have rotten and made its water extremely polluted. Fishes are dying as they do not get enough oxygen in the water.
Sreemongal upazila nirbahi officer Ashfaqul Haque Chowdhury attributed the situation to lack of rainfall.
Dead fishes, especially of big varieties like rohit, katla, mrigel, kalibous and grass carp, have been seen floating on the water.
Birds living in and around the water body are also dying as they eat dead fishes and drink polluted water.

Two dead fishes bear testimony to the degree of pollution in Baikka Beel, a sanctuary in Srimongal of Moulvibazar, due to drastic fall in water level. PHOTO: STAR

Moniruzzaman, field level officer of Climate-Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihoods (Crel) programme in Baikka Beel of Hail Haor working to protect its ecosystem, said he saw a lot of dead fishes floating on the water while traveling through the water body recently.
“A strong stench came from the water body, indicating severe pollution,” Moniruzzaman added.
Taking the opportunity of shallow water, a section of villagers are stealing fishes of the sanctuary which is well-known as a natural abode of varieties of fishes and birds in the area.
This correspondent recently found many locals busy catching fishes in the western part of the water body.
Although the local administration has imposed Section 144 in the Beel area to prevent theft of fishes, the practice continues unabated.
Locals alleged that some members of the Beel management committee were involved in the theft.
Abdus Soban Chowdhury, president of the Beel management committee,  however, dismissed the allegation.