5 illegal dams removed

Chatmohar (Pabna) Correspondent :

The upazila administration in collaboration with the Fisheries Department has removed five illegal dams installed in various rivers and streams of ChatmoharUpazila, an area that encompasses the Chhalanbil region.

On Wednesday , from morning to evening, Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Musa Naser Chowdhury conducted a drive across multiple areas of the upazila, removing all five dams. These structures were killing native fish species and damaging the biodiversity of the Chhalanbil region. Reports indicate that influential local figures were involved in installing these dams.

To prevent the poaching of native fish and other aquatic animals by obstructing natural water flow, the Upazila Executive Officer, in cooperation with the Chhalanbil upazila Fisheries Officer, regularly conducts drives to remove illegal dams.

In line with this effort, the drive on Wednesday ran from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and successfully removed five illegal weirs from various rivers and beels to protect fisheries and agricultural resources.

The removed dams were located in the Khalishgari Beel of Bilchalon Union, Kinu Sarkar Jola, Dharamgachha Chawaldah Beel of Nimaichara Union, and the Katagang area of Handial.

Locals reported that the ZakerSardar gang has been installing illegal weirs at Barodah Ghat near Kalibari Point of the Pachuria Chiknai River in D Bigram Union, causing the death of domestic fish. Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Abdul Matin stated that all these illegal weirs were constructed by obstructing natural water flow. “We are conducting regular drives to remove these weirs,” he added.

Upazila Executive Officer Musa NaserChowdhuryemphasised, “We have zero tolerance for illegal dams. This drive will continue until all such structures are removed.”