In a joint drive for public welfare, the Kotailpara Upazila Administration demolished illegally constructed dams on Wednesday (November 5). The operation was led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sagufa Haq, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Masum Billah, and Senior Fisheries Officer S.M. Shahjahan Siraj.
The illegal structures, located in front of fish farms at Taraile in Pinjuri Union and Buzurgkona Madarbari in Radhaganj Union, were removed to restore public access to water bodies.
According to officials, a group of influential fish farmers had illegally blocked public canals and areas under government bridges. They were conducting fish farming without providing any permanent protection for adjacent homesteads and public roads, causing significant public inconvenience.
During the operation, the administration issued a stern warning to all fish farmers in Kotailpara to refrain from any such illegal activities in the future. Failure to comply will result in fines and strict legal action as per government rules and regulations.
The removal of the dams has been met with widespread approval and a sense of relief among local farmers, fishermen, and residents. However, they have also raised a pressing demand for the swift removal of all such illegal embankments constructed by powerful fish farmers across the upazila.
They specifically highlighted the urgent need to free the Kushla-Radhaganj canal, which has been re-occupied. Victims expressed extreme frustration that despite several reports in national and local newspapers, the Upazila Administration has yet to reclaim this canal, leaving their concerns unaddressed.
