Some 4.50-kilometer of Karotoa River from Balubhara to Ferusha of Gobindganj upazila in Gaibandha was re-excavated this year, reports BSS.
Department of Fisheries implemented the re-excavation work of the river at the cost of TK 1.50 crore under the project of Fisheries Production Enhancement through Re-excavating the Water Bodies while government of Bangladesh provided the financial support, office sources said.
The objectives of the river re-excavation were to increase the production of indigenous fishes, meet the demand of protein and help change the livelihood of the local fishermen.
To assist the local farmers to conduct irrigation activities to produce Boro paddy on the land lying on both sides of the river using its surface water and protect the bio-diversity as well were also the another objectives of the re-excavation work of the dead river, sources said.
Very recently, director general of Fisheries Department Abu Sayeed M. Rashedul Haque visited the re-excavated portion of the river and also exchanged views with the project beneficiaries at the bank of the river at Ferusha area of the upazila as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion DG of the department Abu Sayeed M. Rashedul Haque said the present government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina adopted various plans and projects to increase fish production across the country to meet demand of protein and change the livelihoods of the fishermen.
Project director M. Alimuzzaman, district fisheries officer Abdud Dayan, senior upazila fisheries officer Prodip Kumar Sarker, sub assistant engineer M. Shajahan, and local elite including journalists were present on the occasion.