TALTALI, BARGUNA, Feb 2: A rally, human chain, and discussion meeting were held in Taltali Upazila of Barguna District on the occasion of International World Wetlands Day-2026, centring on wetlands and traditional knowledge.
The event, organised by CNRS and CBDP with support from the FishNET project, took place at the DC Point in Nidrar Char area of the upazila at 3 pm on Monday. Attendees included members of various union parishads, local journalists, environmental activists, and approximately 200 men and women.
The programme, moderated by FishNET project's Upazila Coordinator Joshomonto Mallik, featured speeches by Nischanbaria UP Member Jamal Khan, Sonakata UP Member Shahidul Akan, environmental activist-journalist L. Hairaj Majhi, Senior Field Facilitator Md. Ashraf Hossain, and Field Facilitators Chineu and Bithi Akter.
The speakers stated that the canals, known as the lifelines of the upazila, are now facing an existential crisis. Key canals including Kobiraj Para, Amkhola Sadagar Para, Kazir Khal, Nischanbaria, Gendamara, Choto Bhaizora, Boro Bhaizora, Gendaria, Kochupatra, and Behela Khal have fallen victim to illegal encroachment and pollution. These once-swift canals have now turned into narrow drains due to unplanned human activities. Protective measures against natural disasters are disappearing. As these water bodies, known as reservoirs of fish resources, are being destroyed, the livelihoods of local fishermen, farmers, and ordinary people are facing extreme uncertainty.
The speakers emphasised the urgent need for demarcating boundaries and freeing every canal in the upazila from illegal occupation. They called for integrated government and private initiatives to re-excavate and conserve the canals through sustainable management using traditional knowledge. Otherwise, they warned, future generations will confront a severe environmental catastrophe.
