Halda river officially declared a 'fishery heritage'

The government has officially designated the Halda River—the country's only natural fish breeding ground—as a "Fishery Heritage" to preserve its ecosystem, ensure safe breeding of rohu fish, and protect the endangered Ganges dolphin.

A notification issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Thursday (November 6) declared 23,422 acres along both banks of the river, covering areas in Ramgarh and Manikchhari (Khagrachhari), Fatikchhari, Raozan, Hathazari, and Panchlaish (Chattogram), as protected fishery heritage.

The notification restricts unauthorised research, bans heavy engine vessels, sand dredgers, sand mining, tobacco cultivation along riverbanks, harmful pesticides, and new brick kilns.

Surveys conducted from April to June confirmed adequate rohu fish spawning in the river, supporting the heritage designation.