SINGRA, NATORE, June 28: Farmers in Singra Upazila of Natore formed a human chain and staged a protest on Saturday, demanding the eviction of encroachers from a government canal, alleging that illegal fish farming by influential individuals has caused water-logging across nearly 1,500 bighas of farmland.
The demonstration was held beside a newly constructed bridge at Pachlaruya in Hatiandaha Union. More than 150 affected farmers from Pachlaruya, Natun Basti, Morapatia, Dhuliadanga, Narayanpur and nearby villages joined the programme.
The protesters alleged that influential individuals excavated ponds and occupied a government canal at the mouth of the bridge to cultivate fish, obstructing the natural flow of water. They said the blockage has caused water-logging in seven surrounding beels, leaving around 1,500 bighas of land suitable for only one crop a year instead of the usual three.
According to the affected farmers, local influential persons Borjahan Khan and Hafizur Rahman, also known as Lulu, illegally excavated ponds and occupied parts of the canal. They also alleged that a drainage channel beside the ponds had been fenced with nets and used for fish farming, further aggravating the problem.
Responding to the allegations, Borjahan Khan said part of the government land falls within his pond but claimed he had kept a drainage route through his own land. He added that the passage had only been temporarily fenced for fish farming and that earthmoving contractors had blocked the remaining section.
Hafizur Rahman denied responsibility for the water-logging and said he was willing to cut part of his pond embankment if necessary to facilitate water flow.
Singra Upazila Agriculture Officer Khandaker Farid said the matter would be investigated and assistance provided to the affected farmers.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdullah Al Rifat said no one is allowed to occupy government canals or obstruct natural water flow for fish farming. He said the allegations would be investigated and legal action taken if any illegal encroachment was found.
