Baikka Beel Sanctuary in Srimongal
Fishes die as water level falls to around 2 feet
Fall of water level in Baikka Beel of Hail Haor in Srimongal upazila under Moulvibazar district is threatening different species of fishes in the famous wildlife sanctuary.
Dead fishes, especially of big varieties like rui, katla, mrigel, kalibous and grass scarf, were recently seen floating on the water as they had been facing problem to move in the water bodies due to the water crisis.
Taking the easy opportunity to catch fishes in shallow water, a section of people have become active to steal fishes in the sanctuary, well-known as the abode of varieties of fishes and birds in the area.
Depth of water in different parts of the sanctuary has now come down to around one and a half feet as the beds of the water bodies here have been silted up abnormally as there was relatively less rainfall in the last rainy season, said sources of Srimongal upazila fishery office.
On December 3, miscreants attacked a guard of Baikka Beel to steal fishes.
Around six weeks ago, a gang attacked a guard when locals rushed to the spot, caught two criminals and handed them over to Srimongal police station.
"Depth of Baikka Beel has lessened to a great extent in different parts. Some fishes at different parts of the sanctuary have been seen dead. Several varieties of big fishes have become endangered due to water crises. Taking the opportunity, fish stealers have also become active," said Kulaura upazila fishery officer Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan, also the in-charge of Srimongal upazila fishery office.
"We are also facing serious problems to check stealing of fishes in absence of sufficient armed guards," he added.
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