Srimangal: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today called for controlling the use of pesticides to protect haors. “Some are talking about protecting the haor, while on the other hand, pesticides are being used to increase rice production in the haor. And the pesticides, when mixed with the water, are causing widespread damage to fish in the haor,” she said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser made the remark while addressing the “Exchange of views with beneficiaries of Baikkar Beel Fisheries Sanctuary” on the banks of Baikkar Beel Fisheries Sanctuary in the Hajipur area of Hail Haor in Srimangal. Farida Akhter emphasized the importance of improving the quality of life for the people of Hail Haor and preserving biodiversity. She expressed concern over the gradual loss of various native fish species and advocated for the creation of sanctuaries as a viable solution.
Addressing those who partake in bird hunting, the adviser condemned such activities as cruel, inhuman, and detrimental to the country’s biodiversity. She urged for a shift in perspective to prioritize conservation efforts over recreational hunting.
Earlier, Farida Akhter demonstrated her commitment to environmental conservation by planting Hijal trees on the banks adjacent to the Baikkar Beel Fish Sanctuary in the Hajipur area of Srimangal.
The meeting was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Mosa. Shahina Akhter. Among those present were Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Shahina Ferdousi, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Additional Director General Md. Zia Haider Chowdhury, and several other notable officials from the fisheries sector.