Grabbers wolfing down dying Pakhimara

16 May 2009, 18:00 PM

Sohrab Hossain, Patuakhali

A section of local influential people are making fish enclosures encroaching upon Pakhimara canal in Nilganj union under Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district. PHOTO: BANGLAR CHOKH

Influential locals have continued encroaching upon Pakhimara canal in Nilganj union under Kalapara upazila of the district, giving rise to agitation among local farmers who use the canal water for irrigation. Due to large-scale lifting of water from the four kilometres long and 200 feet wide canal, especially for Boro cultivation, most parts of the canal are without water in the current dry season. Taking this opportunity, a group of local influential people are digging ponds and ditches by grabbing the canal lands. During a recent visit to the area, this correspondent saw people digging at least five ponds in the canal area. “We use the canal water for farming. As most part of the canal has already gone under the grip of grabbers, our agricultural work will be hampered,” said farmer Jajil Gazi. “We are trying our best to produce more crops by using water from the canal to make up the loss incurred due to the Sidr. But farmers are gradually losing the opportunity to use the canal water,” said Mostafa Jomaddar, another farmer. He said they have urged the local administration to take immediate steps to save the canal from grabbers. Adbul Hamid Mia, secretary of society-based fish cultivation project in the area, said, “Land grabbers have already occupied most parts of the canal, creating obstacle to fish cultivation in the canal.” When contacted, Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Liakat Ali said legal action will be taken immediately against grabbers.