Heavy rain, waterlogging cause Tk 55cr damage to Jashore fisheries

Continuous heavy rainfall and persistent waterlogging have caused an estimated Tk 55.03 crore in losses to Jashore's fisheries sector, affecting more than 2,600 ponds, other water bodies and fish enclosures across the district, according to the District Fisheries Department.

An initial damage assessment by the department found that 2,097 ponds and other water bodies, along with 504 fish enclosures (ghers), were affected by flooding and excessive rainfall, District Fisheries Officer Monirul Mamun said.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

According to the department's integrated damage assessment report, released yesterday, flooding damaged ponds and other water bodies covering 1,252.10 hectares and fish enclosures spanning 1,161.76 hectares across the district's eight upazilas.

The disaster resulted in the loss of around 2,137 tonnes of fish, 48 tonnes of shrimp, 31.275 million fish fry and 550,000 shrimp fry.

The department estimated losses from fish, shrimp and fry at Tk 49.89 crore, while damage to fisheries infrastructure was put at Tk 5.11 crore, taking the total estimated loss to Tk 55.03 crore.

Image

Strong currents washed away fish from numerous ponds and enclosures, while fish hatcheries also suffered significant damage. Photo: Star

Among the upazilas, Monirampur suffered the highest losses at Tk 18.61 crore, followed by Abhaynagar at Tk 17.07 crore. Losses were estimated at Tk 8.43 crore in Jashore Sadar, Tk 8.12 crore in Jhikargachha, Tk 2.08 crore in Keshabpur, Tk 45 lakh in Sharsha, Tk 20 lakh in Bagharpara and Tk 4 lakh in Chaugachha.

The report said 44 unions across the district were affected by flooding and waterlogging. Strong currents washed away fish from numerous ponds and enclosures, while fish hatcheries also sustained significant damage.

No fishermen were reported killed or injured, and there were no major reports of damage to fishing boats or nets.

Monirul said the damage assessment report had been sent to the divisional office, which would forward it to the ministry concerned for necessary action.