Unchecked fishing, including the reckless use of high-powered pumps to drain wetlands, is driving indigenous fish species in Jamalganj upazila towards extinction, sparking serious concerns over biodiversity loss.
Once brimming with native fish such as Ruhi, Katla, Chital, Boal, Shol, Gazar, Kali Baush, Tengra and Pabda, the haor region is now witnessing a sharp decline in fish stocks due to illegal fishing practices and environmental degradation.
Local residents and environmentalists point to excessive pesticide use, destructive fishing techniques like China duari and current nets, and large-scale wetland drainage as key contributors to the crisis.
Besides fish, other aquatic species, including snails and turtles, are also disappearing at an alarming rate.
Fisheries experts warn that several fish species have already vanished, with many more facing imminent threat.
Corrupt Leasing Practices Worsen the Crisis
Although the government replaced individual leasing with fishermen’s cooperatives, reports suggest that many cooperatives are controlled by influential third parties who exploit the resources for profit.
Leaseholders allegedly auction off fishing rights to the highest bidder, perpetuating destructive fishing practices unchecked.
“The administration occasionally conducts drives, but they are ineffective,” said a local fisherman, requesting anonymity.
Read: Inoperative water regulators in Sunamganj haors threaten Boro crops
Residents also accuse leaseholders of using powerful pumps to drain water bodies for easier fish harvesting. Besides, chemicals are reportedly being used to extract fish buried deep in mud, further decimating aquatic life.
A field visit by a UNB correspondent revealed that several key waterbodies—including Digha, Baim Dair, and parts of the Gangadharpur River—had been drained for fishing.
Machines were seen pumping water in Ayla-Chhagaia’s Chinai Dhora, Dhalapakna, Dhalia and Nayakhal Nainda wetlands.
Authorities Aware but Action Remains Weak
Shahab Uddin, General Secretary of the Harinagar-Noagaon-Nalowarpara-Jagannathpur Fishermen’s Cooperative Society Limited, defended the practice, saying, “We secured a six-year lease under a development scheme. Due to sediment buildup and gas pockets, fish populations have declined. We obtained approval from the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), and fisheries officials to excavate the wetland.”
Ballooning number of crop protection dams in Sunamganj haor region raises concern
Locals, however, turn down these claims, alleging that the same wetland was drained in 2023-24 under the guise of excavation, with no actual dredging conducted.
A fisherman from Pagna Haor lamented, “During the monsoon, if we fish, our nets are burned. But when they drain the water, no one stops them. If you have money, you can do anything in this country. Soon, there won’t be any fish left in the haors.”
Urgent Call for Stricter Enforcement
Social activist Md Abdur Rob urged the administration to take stringent action against those destroying the region’s biodiversity. “If leaseholders continue drying up wetlands, native species will vanish forever. The authorities must enforce the law and hold violators accountable,” he said.
Kamrul Hasan, acting Upazila Fisheries Officer of Jamalganj, said that his office is closely monitoring the situation. “If we find unauthorised use of machines to drain wetlands, we intervene immediately. We have already reported violations to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer,” he said.
District Fisheries Officer Shamsul Karim acknowledged the issue, saying, “I learned about the situation in Jamalganj from a newspaper report. The authorities will take legal steps against those responsible.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mushfiqeen Noor said that only approved portions of wetlands can be excavated. “If any leaseholder violates the rules, their security deposits will be confiscated,” he warned.
Stop lease of haors immediately: Adviser Farida
Deputy Commissioner Dr Mohammad Elias Miah assured that leaseholders breaching contract conditions by draining wetlands would have their leases revoked.