Illegal dam on canal triggers protest
Human chain, procession in Patuakhali
A large number of farmers form a human chain in Char Montaz union of Galachipa upazila under Patuakali district yesterday removal of dam on Bailabunia canal. Impediment to the flow of the canal hampers cultivation in the area, they said. Photo: STAR
Hundreds of farmers and fishermen of Charmontaz union under Galachipa upazila formed a human chain on the bank of Bailabunia canal on Friday demanding removal of illegal dam on the canal. They also brought out a procession joined by over 1,000 affected people. About 10,000 acres of land remain uncultivated as a few local influential people who took lease of the 10-km long canal, raised the barrier on the canal. Charmontaz union is an isolated newly emerged land mass, about 30 km away from Galachipa upazila headquarters and about 60 km off Patuakhali district headquarters. Ainalee Howlader, 55, a farmer of the area said, Mosharef Khan, Basir Khan, Kuddus Khan and other influential people stopped the water flow of Bailabunia canal illegally two years ago. "We can't cultivate our land in the dry season as the lessees stop the water flow illegally. Most of the farmers grow green crops here", he added. Abdur Rahman, 45, another farmer alleged the lessees also bring saline water through the sluice gate to cultivate fish in the canal. "The farmers will be deprived of Aush paddy as the time for seedlings is almost over", he added. "We are becoming poorer as we miss two out of three crops", Solaiman, 40, another farmer alleged. "Cultivation of green crops like watermelon, potato, ground nuts, pulses has stopped due to water crisis", he added. According to fisherman Joinal, they can't catch fish in the canal although over 500 local fishermen earlier lived by fishing in it. They also harass us for bathing domestic animals like cows, buffaloes in the canal, said another villager. Nazrul Islam, newly elected local UP chairman said, the lessees are doing it illegally ignoring laws. The water flow should be kept open in the interest of local farmers and fishermen, he said and urged the administration to take lawful action in this regard. Contacted, Basir Khan, one of lessees said they took lease of the canal to cultivate fish in it. He termed the problems of the farmers and fishermen as 'seasonal.' Acting Deputy Commissioner for Patuakhali Amol Krishna Mondol, when contacted, said, "Nobody can make any dam on canal and if anybody does it we will take lawful action."
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