Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Aug 6, 2026 (BSS) - A joint drive by the upazila administration and the Department of Fisheries removed 10 illegal dams and destroyed prohibited fishing nets from the Ghyangrail River in Dumuria upazila of Khulna today to restore the river's natural flow and protect indigenous fish species.

The operation was conducted from 11am to 3 pm along a 4-5 kilometre stretch of the river in Atlia union.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) Amit Kumar Biswas and Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Sohel Md. Zillur Rahman Rigan led the drive.

During the operation, officials dismantled 10 illegal river blockades, locally known as "net-patas", seized and destroyed two behundi nets and several banned Chinese duari nets on the spot.

Chairman of Atlia Union Parishad Sheikh Helal Uddin assisted the drive, while officials of the land and fisheries offices and a team from Dumuria Police Station provided logistical and security support.

According to the fisheries department, illegal dams and destructive fishing gear have been obstructing the breeding and movement of indigenous fish, disrupting the river's natural water flow and contributing to waterlogging in surrounding areas. The use of fine-mesh nets, including Chinese duari nets, is also threatening juvenile fish and aquatic biodiversity.

Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Rigan said the authorities would not allow any unauthorised dams or destructive fishing gear in rivers and warned that legal action would be taken against those involved in such activities.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) Amit Kumar Biswas said maintaining the river's natural flow and reducing waterlogging were among the administration's priorities, adding that similar enforcement drives would continue in the public interest and to conserve fisheries resources.

Local residents and fishermen welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the drive would help restore the river's ecosystem and increase fish production.