Fisheries officials removed an illegal dam on the Halda River and seized equipment, warning locals against harmful activities as part of ongoing efforts to protect its unique fish breeding ecosystem.
Fisheries authorities dismantled an illegal dam and seized tarpaulin used for fishing preparations in the upstream section of the Halda River in Manikchhari Upazila of Khagrachhari.
The operation was conducted on Friday afternoon in the Dashbil area by Upazila Fisheries Officer Md Mahmudul Hasan.
Officials said a group of local youths had built the dam under the cover of darkness on Thursday night to catch fish. Acting on a tip-off, the upazila fisheries department carried out the drive, breaking the dam and confiscating materials used at the site.
“The Halda River is a valuable national resource. The upazila fisheries department is conducting regular monitoring and drives to protect it,” said Fisheries Officer Mahmudul Hasan.
He said the operation was carried out under the Fish Protection and Conservation Rules, 1985 and the Halda River Conservation Gazette issued on November 5, 2025. Residents were also warned not to create any obstruction in the river that could harm its biodiversity.
The drive was conducted under the direction of District Fisheries Officer Raju Ahmed as part of the Halda River Natural Fish Breeding Ground Development and Management Project, with support from Manikchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tahmina Afroz Bhuiyan.
The government declared the Halda River a “Fisheries Heritage” site through a gazette on November 5, 2025, recognising it as South Asia’s only natural fish breeding ground. The gazette prohibits dam construction, fishing during restricted periods and any activities that obstruct the free movement of fish in the upstream Manikchhari section.
