The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rajshahi

A Taka 20.41 crore project is being implemented to enhance fish production in Chalan Beel along with restoring its fish resources.

Officials said the Department of Fisheries (DoF) is implementing the project to ensure livelihood security of the wetland people and support the government's poverty reduction efforts through sustainable aquaculture and management.

There was a time when the Beel was widely known for its immense resources for fish harvesting across the northern region. The resources are now on the verge of extinction.

According to the officials, the three-year 'Chalan Beel Fisheries Development Project' is being executed in 12 Upazilas of Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon, Bogra, Pabna and Sirajganj districts. The work of the project began in July last year.

Among the objectives of the projects are to increase fish production to meet nutritional requirement and to preserve fish biodiversity and restore fish habitat.

Besides improving employment and socio-economic condition of fishing communities, landless and fish farmers, the project seeks to involve the target groups with water body management and aquaculture activities and establish their rights in the developed waterbodies.

Project Director Sawkat Ali told BSS that the successful implementation the project would help attain the target of annual fish production to 400 kilograms per hectare from 200 kilograms at present.

To attain the goal, 160 hectares of ponds, canals, dried rivers and beels will be re-excavated in addition to development of fish sanctuaries on 40 hectares and floodplain on another 20 hectares of waterbodies.

Apart from this, some other need-based infrastructures like 298 pipe-culverts, 80 fish sanctuaries, 23-kilometer embankments and three fish-landing stations will be constructed.

Fish nursery will be developed on 80 hectares of waterbodies to contain the reduction of fish production. Fish eggs and fingerlings will be released for stocking and rearing in the nurseries to increase fish population and protect the native fish species, particularly the small indigenous ones, from extinction.

The officials said 14,000 beneficiaries will be organised on group basis and they will be given necessary training in fish culture and management.

They said the fish farmers would also be given microcredit ranging from Taka 5,000 to Taka 10,000 for their alternative livelihood during the project implementation period.