Jhalkathi, Nov 25 (V7N)- Around 300 residents from four villages, including Kandpasha, Naruttampur, and Kumarkhali, staged a human chain today to protest against the illegal occupation of the Kumarkhali Mara River and its adjacent canal mouths in Nalchiti Upazila. The demonstration took place at 10:00 AM in Kandpasha Kumarkhali on the Nalchiti-Barisal road, with participation from farmers, fishermen, social workers, and other concerned locals.

During the protest, several speakers, including local social activist Bali Taifur Rahman Turya, farmer Masud Hossain, and others, alleged that an influential group had unlawfully claimed the Kumarkhali Mara River as leased land since April 2018. The group has reportedly dammed six canals connected to the Sugandha River to cultivate fish, leading to:

  • A lack of tidal flow in the canals, resulting in water stagnation and environmental pollution.
  • Water shortages for daily use by nearby residents.
  • The loss of thousands of hectares of cultivable land due to waterlogging.
  • Unemployment among hundreds of fishermen families, who are unable to access the river.

The protesters accused the lessees of breaching their lease agreement, which reportedly allowed them 109 acres of wetlands but led to the occupation of 320 acres, including open river space.

Speakers highlighted how the lessees have used their influence to suppress opposition, allegedly threatening locals and filing false cases. For example, on September 3, 2024, 12 villagers faced a false case in the Jhalkathi Senior Judicial Magistrate's Court after protesting the occupation.

Additionally, the Department of Environment issued a directive on November 19, 2024, instructing the lessees to remove the illegal dam and restore water flow. However, these orders have reportedly been ignored.

The protesters demanded that authorities:

  1. Cancel the lease agreement of the lessees.
  2. Remove the illegal dams and open up the Kumarkhali Mara River for public use.
  3. Ensure legal protection for the local community, particularly the fishermen and farmers dependent on the river.

The protest reflects a growing demand for justice and environmental preservation, urging immediate government intervention to protect the river, agricultural land, and livelihoods in the affected villages.

END/AI/AJ