Kurigram:Declining fish stocks, destructive fishing practices, and the absence of a fish sanctuary have severely impacted traditional fishermen along the Teesta River in Kurigram district. As a result, many are abandoning their ancestral profession, while those who remain face increasing debt and poverty.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Teesta River, once rich in diverse native fish species, now provides little return for fishermen, despite long hours spent casting their nets. Over the past two decades, at least ten fish species have nearly disappeared from the river, jeopardizing the survival of local fishing communities.
The Teesta originates from India's Sikkim state, flowing approximately 315 kilometers before joining the Brahmaputra. Despite a 40-kilometer stretch through Kurigram district, the river lacks a designated fish sanctuary. Unrestricted use of current nets and Chinese fishing nets, known locally as China duari, exacerbates the indiscriminate harvesting of fish.
The fishermen's settlement in Bidyananda village under Rajarhat upazila exemplifies the harsh realities these communities face. Although many have changed occupations due to river erosion and economic hardship, the settlement in Bidyananda struggles to survive, with at least 20 families living in dilapidated shelters provided by others.
Atul Chandra Das, a fisherman in his 60s, has witnessed the decline of the river's fish resources throughout his life. Despite repeated relocations due to river erosion, he continues to fish with his sons, albeit with dwindling success. Local fishermen report catching no more than one kilogram of fish per day, insufficient to meet household expenses.
This scarcity forces many families into debt, as exemplified by Atul Chandra Das, who recently borrowed Taka 10,000 for boat repairs. The situation is particularly dire for at least five months of the year, from Kartik to Falgun in the Bengali calendar.
Fishermen recall the devastating impacts of the 2017 floods and the 2022 Irka flood, which significantly affected fish populations. Although fish production saw a slight recovery post-2022, the shortage remains severe. Despite Kurigram having eight designated fish sanctuaries, none are located in the Teesta, leaving its fish populations without conservation efforts.
Professor Shafiqul Islam Bebu highlighted the 2017 flood's impact on the Teesta basin, noting the noticeable fish shortage post-disaster. A meeting led by then Deputy Commissioner Nusrat Sultana a year ago identified the flood as a major factor behind the declining fish availability, urging measures to address the crisis.
District Fisheries Officer Zahirul Islam Akand mentioned a proposal to establish a large fish sanctuary centered on the Teesta and Brahmaputra rivers. However, for the fishermen of Bidyananda, the initiative cannot come soon enough as they face dwindling catches, mounting debts, and uncertain futures.