Mother fish of different species have released eggs at several places in the Halda River, the only natural fish spawning centre in South Asia. Hathazari upazila administration and local egg collectors confirmed the release of sample eggs. Preparations for this occasion began on Sunday morning, with egg collectors placing nets at different points in the river to collect the carp mother fish eggs during low tide. Also Read: Neglect endangering red-listed dolphins in Halda River Halda River is now bustling with hundreds of boats, actively engaged in the collection of fish eggs. The fishers said they found 50 to 150 grams of eggs in some places on the coast of Halda after 12 pm on Sunday. The egg collection will continue on Monday at Azim Ghat, Amtua, Ramdas Ghat, Mobarkhil, and Napiter Ghat areas in Hathazari upazila. Also Read: Special programme taken to protect biodiversity of Halda River: Minister Harun, an egg collector, expressed his excitement, saying “I have been eagerly awaiting this moment for the past month and a half. Finally, today I can collect the eggs. If the weather remains favourable, there is a possibility of a higher egg count this time.” He also said that more eggs are expected to be available on Monday. Dr. Mohammad Ali Azadi, a Halda River researcher and professor at Chittagong University, said, “As of 1:30 am, the eggs collected by the dedicated egg collectors are not full-scale or sufficient. Only time will tell if a substantial number of eggs have been collected.” Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Shahidul Alam said, “The new moon phase began on Saturday. The administration is actively supervising the operations, and all government hatcheries are fully prepared." Also Read: Halda fish egg collectors brood on misfortune

Mother fish of different species have released 'sample eggs' at several places in the Halda River, the only natural fish spawning centre in South Asia. The fishers said they found 50 to 200 grams of eggs in some places, including Machuaghona and Nayahat, in the coast of Halda after 12 pm on Saturday. Also read:Halda River under CCTV surveillance Hathazari upazila administration and local egg collectors confirmed the release of sample eggs. The indigenous fish species including Ruhi, Mrigel, Katol and Kalbaush started releasing eggs after heavy rain with thunderbolts due to cyclone ‘Asani’ for the last few days. Egg collectors and persons concerned were waiting in the river as the full breeding season started from the beginning of May. They are hoping that if there is heavy rain with thunderstorms on the current full moon day, mother fish can start releasing eggs in full swing in the river during high tide or low tide.