Dhaka, Nov 07 (V7N) — The government has officially declared the Halda River, the country’s only natural fish breeding ground, as a ‘Fishery Heritage’ area. The decision aims to conserve the river’s natural ecosystem, ensure safe breeding of Rui fish, and protect the habitat of the endangered Gangetic dolphin.

The announcement was made in a notification issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Thursday.

According to the notification, a total of 23,422 acres of land on both banks of the Halda River—flowing through Ramgarh and Manikchhari upazilas of Khagrachhari, and Fatikchhari, Raozan, Hathazari upazilas and Panchlaish Thana of Chittagong—has been designated as the “Halda River Fisheries Heritage.”

The ministry stated that during April to June, the river serves as a vital breeding ground for Rui fish, yielding significant amounts of fertilized eggs across different points of the Halda.

Under the new declaration, strict restrictions will be enforced to protect the river’s ecology.

  • No individual or institution, local or foreign, will be allowed to conduct research without official permission.

  • The movement of heavy engine-powered vessels, sand carriers, or dredgers is prohibited from Nazirhat Bridge to the Karnaphuli estuary.

  • Sand extraction and leasing of sand pits from the Halda and its tributaries are banned.

  • Tobacco cultivation in the river basin and the use of harmful pesticides and insecticides on agricultural land will not be permitted.

  • Establishing new brick kilns near the riverbanks has also been restricted.

The ministry further noted that it reserves the authority to amend or expand the notification as needed for improved environmental and ecological management, including redefining boundaries based on changes in the river’s course.

This landmark declaration marks a significant step toward safeguarding Bangladesh’s aquatic biodiversity and sustainable fisheries management.

END/SMA/AJ