Natore beel dispute threatens fish stocks, aquatic biodiversity

SINGRA, NATORE, Nov 11: Fish worth around Tk 4 lakh have been killed after miscreants allegedly poured poison into Larkibari Beel in Singra Upazila of Natore, threatening the wetland's fish resources and biodiversity.

Locals spotted the dead fish floating on the water on November 2 after the poison was allegedly applied under cover of darkness on Sunday night. They suspect the incident is linked to a longstanding dispute between two local groups over control of the wetland.

According to residents, people in the area have been jointly cultivating fish in Katuabari and Larkibari beels for nearly 40 years.

Recently, around 50 people, including Asaduzzaman Babu, Abdul Qayyum and Biplobur Rahman Sabuj from Katuabari and Parsaoil villages, released carp and other fish worth more than Tk 30 lakh into the wetland.

However, a dispute reportedly developed over control of the beel between the fish farmers and another group involving Ashraful Islam, a former local Union Parishad member, and Rana Ahmed, a Jubo Dal leader. Local leaders attempted to resolve the dispute but failed, residents said.

Affected fish farmers Asaduzzaman Babu and Abdul Qayyum said they had been cultivating fish collectively in the wetland for around four decades.

They alleged that a few individuals were trying to create unrest in the area by acting against the community's interests.
Biplobur Rahman Sabuj said the poisoning had caused them financial losses of around Tk 4 lakh.

"We do not know who poured the poison into the water under cover of darkness," he said.

Efforts to contact Ashraful Islam, the former Union Parishad member, over the phone for his comment were unsuccessful.

Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Shahadat Hossain said the poisoning had killed native fish species and harmed aquatic biodiversity in the wetland.

He said the incident would be investigated and necessary action taken.

Singra Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rafiqul Islam said they would take necessary action if a complaint was filed.