The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has officially declared the Halda River as a “Fish Heritage Site” through a gazette notification issued on November 5. According to the notification, the declaration aims to preserve the natural ecosystem and enhance environmental quality to ensure safe breeding of carp species and protect the habitat of the endangered Ganges River dolphin.
Under this declaration, the Halda River, which flows through Ramgarh and Manikchhari upazilas of Khagrachari district and Fatikchhari, Rauzan, Hathazari upazilas, and Panchlaish thana of Chattogram district, along with 93,612 plots covering a total area of 23,422.28059 acres along the riverbanks, has been recognized as the “Halda River Fish Heritage.”
The Halda River, known as the country’s only natural breeding ground for major carp species, yields a significant quantity of fertilized eggs between April and June each year.
The gazette outlines a number of restrictions effective immediately upon publication. Fishing or harvesting of aquatic species from the river is strictly prohibited. However, under the supervision of the Department of Fisheries, the collection of fertilized fish eggs may be permitted during designated breeding seasons. Any activities that destroy habitats of aquatic animals or plants, or alter the natural characteristics of the land and water, are forbidden. No action harmful to fish, dolphins, or other aquatic life will be allowed.
Discharging sewage or industrial waste into the river or its surrounding areas is prohibited. Altering the natural course of the river, such as straightening its bends, is also not permitted.
Fishing will be banned in all 17 canals connected to the Halda River during the breeding season, from February to July. The construction of new rubber or concrete dams on the Halda River and its connected canals is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the establishment of new water treatment or irrigation projects for water extraction will not be allowed without approval from the “Halda River Fish Heritage Monitoring Committee.”
No domestic or foreign institution or individual may conduct research on fish, aquatic life, or water resources in the Halda River without prior approval from the monitoring committee.
To maintain uninterrupted pre-spawning migration routes, no obstruction shall be created in the flow of water within the Halda River or its connecting canals.
The operation of heavy engine-powered vessels, such as sand-laden or cargo boats and dredgers, will be prohibited throughout the year from the Karnafuli estuary to the Nazirhat Bridge sanctuary area. Leasing of sand fields (balumahal) and sand extraction by dredgers or other harmful methods in the river and its tributaries will not be allowed.
No tobacco cultivation will be permitted within the Halda River basin. The use of harmful pesticides or agrochemicals in agricultural lands of the basin area is prohibited. Establishing brick kilns along the riverbanks will also not be permitted.
To ensure improved ecological and environmental management, and to address issues related to the changing river course or boundary demarcations, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock reserves the authority to impose further restrictions, amendments, or modifications to the notification as necessary.
The gazette also declares that the previous notification, numbered 33.00.0000.127.23.001.20-343 and issued on December 13, 2020, is hereby annulled.
