The river Halda has been a sanctuary for fishes and fresh water dolphins. Since this river is a breeding ground for fishes that are under threat of extinction, it has been deemed a no-fishing zone by the government and shall remain so as the Bangabandhu Fisheries Heritage. It is encouraging to know that the government is taking special notice for the preservation of fishes and dolphins and other migratory animals.
According to a report published in this daily, efforts to prevent fishing of mother fishes has been a key concern of the government to preserve fish production of the rivers. Also, river pollution is a big problem and this creates hazardous situations for fish breeding grounds. To protect the sanctuary, mobile courts will be operated regularly against fishing of mother fishes; pollution of the river and illegal occupation.
River pollution is a big problem; this
creates hazardous situations for fish
breeding grounds
This has been further strengthened by a 12-point ban and conditions which will be enforced in Bangabandhu Fisheries Heritage or in the Halda river area. It is encouraging to know that the fisheries preservation focus of the government has been epitomised by the Halda sanctuary which is considered world famous as the ‘Fish Bank’ and ‘Gene Bank’.
Experts are astonished by witnessing the Halda River's fish-seed stock. But, the reality is that the present condition of the river is now at a very poor state as mother fishes and dolphins are being caught indiscriminately. Also, the river has been dredged extensively and there are also many illegal occupations of river banks of Halda.
These need to be eradicated and removed for the river to survive along with its fish-life. We welcome the initiative of the government for providing a fisheries sanctuary at this stage when the world is facing the ecological and natural crisis of diminishing nature.