Twenty net barriers across 5km of Arial Khan threaten fisheries

KATIADI, KISHOREGANJ, Oct 22: At least 20 illegal net barriers have been set up across nearly five kilometres of the Arial Khan River, which flows along the boundary of Katiadi Upazila in Kishoreganj and Monohardi Upazila in Narsingdi. 

Because these barriers have been built crosswise from one bank of the river to the other, the natural movement and breeding of fish are being obstructed. Fry and various aquatic animals are getting trapped in these nets. At the same time, the movement of cargo vessels is being disrupted.

A visit to the spot showed that structures have been raised using bamboo, wood and bamboo splits, and khara, drum and current nets have been set on them. Apart from the portion where the nets are cast, the path for fish movement in the river is almost closed. In some places, current nets have been stretched from one bank of the river to the other. Along with native species of fish, various aquatic animals are being caught in these nets.

Local residents said that the spread of net barriers in different parts of the river has increased over the past few months. These nets are present in South and North Charpukshia, Chakbazar, the area adjacent to Paikan Bridge, East Char Partala of Lohajuri and up to Poradia Bridge in Jalalpur Union of Katiadi. The same picture prevails on the other bank of the river in Char Gohalbariya, Paikan and Barchapa areas of Monohardi.

Local people alleged that due to these nets, fish of all sizes, small and large, are being caught. As a result, fish reproduction is being hampered and native species of fish are declining. Cargo vessels are also getting stuck in the river because of the nets. During the visit, an engine-driven boat loaded with plastic pipes was seen stuck because of the nets.

Sajal, a local resident and former UP member, said, "I see right before my eyes that fish are being caught by setting long nets as barriers from one bank to the other. Fry and all kinds of aquatic animals are being brought up. A few people are benefiting, but the fish are being destroyed."

Afaz Uddin, a farmer of South Charpukshia, said, "Because of these nets, there are no fish in the river anymore. They take everything away. When we go with push nets, we don't get fish now."

Md Kausar Mia, Senior Fisheries Officer of Katiadi Upazila, said that fish cannot be caught in a flowing river by setting net barriers in this way. The use of current nets is also prohibited. Steps will be taken on the matter after investigation.

Md Rafi Afroz Soni, Senior Fisheries Officer of Monohardi Upazila, said, "Operations were conducted in their area earlier. I have come to know about net barriers being newly set up in various places. Measures will be taken soon."

Shamima Afroz Marliz, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Katiadi, said, "Net barriers cannot be set up in a flowing river. If illegal nets exist, operations will be conducted."

In this regard, Mahmudul Hasan, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Monohardi, said, "The matter will be investigated with importance and necessary steps will be taken."