Illegal fishing nets removed to restore water flow at Dumuria

DUMURIA, KHULNA, Aug 30: The Dumuria Upazila administration and Department of Fisheries (DoF) have taken a number of initiatives in recent times to restore the natural flow of water in rivers and canals and boost shrimp farming in the area.

The initiatives include evicting illegal occupants from government water bodies, removing harmful fishing nets and barriers, and promoting modern aquaculture methods.

According to local sources, illegal dams and net in several rivers and canals of Dumuria had long obstructed the normal flow of water. As a result, natural fish breeding and production were being hampered, while shrimp farmers were failing to achieve expected yields.

Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Sohel Md Zillur Rahman Regan said Dumuria had huge potential for fish and shrimp farming.

“Natural fish and shrimp production has been affected by obstructions to the normal flow of rivers and canals and the use of harmful nets. We have taken a firm stance against illegal dams and nets and are creating fish sanctuaries at different locations,” he said.

The DoF is also providing farmers with training and advice on modern methods of quality golda (freshwater prawn) and bagda (black tiger shrimp) farming, he said.

“If integrated river management and greater awareness among farmers can be ensured, shrimp production in Dumuria can increase several times,” he added.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Dumuria Amit Kumar Biswas said rivers and canals were common resources and could not be treated as private property.

“Blocking the natural flow of water bodies by constructing illegal dams or installing net-pata structures is completely unlawful. We are conducting regular mobile court drives in coordination with the fisheries department,” he said.

The administration will continue its campaign to remove illegal occupants and keep government rivers and canals open, he added.

The joint initiative of the administration and DoF has drawn a positive response locally. Shrimp farmers hope that integrated river management and modern farming technology will open up new opportunities for golda and bagda shrimp production in Dumuria.