Dead fishes and aquatic animals of various species have been seen floating on the water of Madhabkunda Waterfall at Borolekha upazila of Moulvibazaar district since last November 2.
Those dead fishes and aquatic animals were emitting stench in the air of the surrounding areas.
Being informed, officials of the Department of Fisheries have tested the quality of water of the fall but found the parameter of water was normal. However, they opined, someone might apply poisonous herbs in the water of the fall so that fish would die and they would catch the fish. As a result of applying such poisonous herbs, the fish, as well as aquatic animals, were dying.
Local Forest Department sources informed, on Saturday morning local people including tourists and police noticed the floating of dead and rotten fishes and aquatic animals on the water of the fall. Those dead fishes and animals were spreading stench in surrounding areas. The dead fishes and animals include varieties of fishes including puti, prawn, pipla, frogs, crabs and various types of aquatic insects.
Local people and workers of the Madhabkunda Eco Park were removing those dead fish and animals from the water. Even, on Monday, some local people were seen catching dead fish from the water and others were removing rotten fish from the water. The water of the fall may contaminate the water of Hakaluki Haor, they apprehended.
Samir, a staff of Madhabkund Eco Park informed, from Saturday last dead and rotten fish were seen to float on water. Some one might apply poison to catch fish from the water of the fall, he opined.
Sultan Mahmud Khan, Senior Fisheries Officer of Kulaura Upazila informed, the quality of water of the fall has been tasted but the water parameter was found almost normal. Someone might apply poisonous herbs in water that is why fish and aquatic animals were dying.
Sekhar Ranjan, Associate Range Officer of the Department of Forest informed, he visited the spot following the news but it was not clear why the fish and aquatic animals were dying.