In a bid to safeguard fisheries resources and restore the natural water flow in the Bhodra Canal, the Dumuria Upazila administration has launched a drive against the use of illegal nets. The operation, which began on Wednesday afternoon, aims to remove illegal fishing gear, including fixed net barriers and banned Chinese ring nets.
Under the supervision of the Dumuria Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Fisheries Officer, and Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dumuria Police Station, large quantities of illegal bamboo-made fixed net barriers and Chinese ring nets were removed from various points along the canal and destroyed on the spot.
Officials noted that a section of illegal fishers had long obstructed the canal's natural flow with fixed net barriers, while the use of fine-mesh Chinese nets was destroying eggs and fry of indigenous fish species, posing a serious threat to the aquatic ecosystem.
Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Dumuria Amit Kumar Biswas emphasized the importance of the Bhodra Canal in maintaining the region's ecological balance and warned that the administration would not tolerate any illegal occupation or use of prohibited fishing gear in canals or open water bodies.
Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Sohel Md. Zillur Rahman Regan described Chinese ring nets and fixed barriers as "silent killers" of fisheries, highlighting their impact on natural breeding. He stressed the need for greater public awareness and stricter measures to stop the sale and use of harmful fishing nets.
The operation was welcomed by local residents, who believe that such enforcement drives will help restore the canal, protect native fish species, and ensure uninterrupted water flow. Environmentalists and local stakeholders expressed hope that regular enforcement would significantly reduce illegal fishing in the Bhodra Canal and surrounding water bodies, contributing to the conservation of indigenous fish and biodiversity in the country's southwest region.
