Photo : TDM
Influential individuals have been accused of seizing control of the government-owned canal in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf and establishing a fishery project. A section of the Barakhal canal, located between Shahpari Island and Hariakhali in the Sabrang Union of Upazila, has been blocked off by a dam. The local residents, whose livelihoods depend on the canal, are now facing severe hardship.
Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Irfanul Haque Chowdhury stated, "I was unaware of the fishery project that has taken over the canal by constructing a dam. No one had reported this to me. Strict action will be taken if such incidents occur, and the canal will be reopened for all."
At first glance, it's evident that the canal, originating from Nafnad and running through the Bay of Bengal embankment to the west and near Hariakhali to the north, is the longest canal in the upazila. Locally, it is known as Barakhal. In this canal, the economically disadvantaged residents of Hariakhali and Shahpari islands used to fish openly to provide for their families and make a living by selling fish in the market. However, a powerful syndicate recently dammed a portion of the canal that flows north towards Hariyakhali, effectively halting fishing in this area for the impoverished fishermen who depend on the canal.
Local residents explained that most people used to catch fish in this canal using nets. For many, catching fish in the canal was essential for securing two meals a day. This act has been met with resistance by many in the community. Consequently, the canal, known as a vital source of sustenance for the poor, has been dammed, depriving them of fishing opportunities. It's akin to a blow to the stomach for canal fishermen. However, the local residents are unsure about the identity of those who have taken control of the canal.
Abdur Rahman, a resident of Shahpari Island North Para, recounted how this canal used to be significantly larger. They used to catch fish using nets and could earn extra income by selling their catch in the market. Hundreds of disadvantaged individuals used to make a living from this canal. Now, it appears that a private entity or group has built a project by blocking a significant portion of the canal, preventing ordinary people from fishing there.
Mohammad Abdullah, a resident of the Sabrang Hariakhali area, mentioned that since childhood, they had witnessed their fathers and uncles fishing in this canal using nets. They knew it as the Government Canal. However, they now observe that an individual or a group has taken ownership of the canal by building a dam.
Regarding this matter, Kabir Ahmad, a member of Sabrang Ward No. 3 Union Parishad, stated, "I heard that some local youths undertook this project together. Previously, I collaborated with the chairman to remove encroachments from the canal. I also advocate for the canal to be accessible to everyone."
TDM/SD
