To ensure the free flow of water in Sylhet's rivers and safeguard the region from recurring floods, parts of the Itna-Mithamoin-Austagram Road in Kishoreganj might be dismantled, if necessary, said Farida Akhter, advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
An inter-ministerial decision will be taken to implement this initiative, she said on Saturday.
She made the remarks at a workshop titled “Stakeholder Consultation on Protecting Fish Resources in Haor Areas” held at a convention hall in Sylhet.
The event was organized by the Sylhet Fisheries Department and presided over by ATM Mostafa Kamal, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
Farida Akhter pointed out that indiscriminate development activities have been harming haor ecosystems.
“Unplanned embankments and roads have been built in the haor areas in the name of modernization, leading to significant damage to the haors and their fishery resources. As a result, water flow has been obstructed, adversely affecting the environment and livelihoods,” she said.
Earlier in the workshop, stakeholders from seven haor-dominated districts shared their concerns and challenges in protecting fish resources.
They also made several demands for the conservation of haor wetlands and sustainable fishery practices.