Fish farming in flowing canal at Amtali protested

AMTALI , BARGUNA, July 16: Hundreds of farmers and residents staged a human chain and protest in Amtali Upazila of Barguna recently, demanding an immediate halt to fish farming in the flowing Godanga canal, alleging it has obstructed water flow and caused water-logging.

More than 300 people joined the hour-long demonstration on the canal bank in Atharagachhia Union under the leadership of local Union Parishad Member Abu Zafar Mia.

Protesters alleged that a group of influential people had enclosed part of the canal with fine-mesh nets about 20 feet from the Godanga sluice gate to rear fish. They claimed the barriers had reduced the natural flow of water, creating water-logging and affecting irrigation.

Locals said the canal is vital for farming, household use, bathing livestock and catching fish, with many families depending on it for their livelihoods.

Speaking at the protest, several residents said fish farming in the canal would seriously affect hundreds of farming families.

Farmer Jahangir Hossain said the canal supplies irrigation water for Boro, Aman and other seasonal crops. "If fish farming continues here, it will be difficult for us to survive," he said.

When contacted by phone, Zahidul Islam denied involvement, saying the canal had been leased to another person, Afzal Mridha. He claimed cleaning the canal had benefited local residents by making its water usable.

Amtali Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Ashraful Islam said the authorities would inspect the site and take legal action if necessary.