3 illegal fishing dams removed at Bagatipara

BAGATIPARA, NATORE, Oct 24: Authorities dismantled three illegal fishing dams on the Baral River in Bagatipara Upazila of the district on Saturday, destroying fishing equipment worth an estimated Tk 4 lakh.

The joint operation by the upazila administration and the Department of Fisheries targeted three sites in Banshbaria and Bajitpur areas of Jamnagar Union. Officials destroyed three banned China-duari nets, 58 khalsun traps, bamboo structures, poles and other equipment used for illegal fishing.

The drive was led by Israat Jahan Pia, Assistant Commissioner (Land) and executive magistrate, following reports of illegal barriers built across the river to catch fish.

Upazila Fisheries Officer SM Mahmudul Hasan said illegal dams and banned nets disrupt fish breeding and threaten aquatic biodiversity. 
AC (Land) Israat Jahan Pia said such drives would continue to protect the river’s natural flow and curb illegal fishing.