Jessore river leased out for fish farming

The land ministry has finally leased out a stretch of 103.66 acres of the Mukteshwari river for fish farming for the next six years.
A meeting of the National Water-body Management Committee took the decision on July 26 ignoring complaints from locals that fish farming by building dykes across the leased areas has nearly choked the river over the years, ministry sources say.
The meeting chaired by Land Minister Rezaul Karim Hera leased the part of the river to Pakdia fish farmers’ association under development project in exchange of Tk 5 lakh.
Earlier, the district administration at the directive of the ministry had prepared a report on the condition of the river, which had been on lease since 1980.
The report prepared by the Jessore Sadar upazila nirbahi officer identified the Mukteshwari as “ineffective and stagnant except for the rainy season”.
The ministry sought the report as the previous lease of the river expired in April this year.
The Daily Star ran a report on the process of leasing the river on June 20 when both Land Secretary Atharul Islam and Jessore Deputy Commissioner Nurul Amin assured that no river would be leased out.
DC Nurul Amin said he did not know anything about the ministry’s decision, while Land Secretary Atharul Islam could not be reached immediately.
Over the years, fish enclosures have contributed to a huge buildup of silt on the river.
During rainy season, silt deposits cause the Mukteshwari to flood, causing sufferings to thousands of people living in villages on the banks.
In November last year, the affected villagers requested the district administration not to allow fish farming anymore as it damages their crop and homesteads.
During a field visit, it was found that the river at several points shrunk to 10 metres from once 50 metres due to earth-filling over the years.
Bamboo-made fences were seen at no less than 20 points, blocking boat-plying and locals’ access to the river.
The ministry, however, did not take any decision over leasing of 22.03 acres of river between Dhakuria and Brahmapur, which has been turned into a fish enclosure.
The district administration had the leasing authority before the land ministry took up the responsibility this year.
“No matter which party is in power, the lease goes on, and so does fish farming. The lease has always benefited individuals with ruling party association,” said Mazid Hossain, a resident of Vekutia.

Courtesy of The Daily Star