Re-excavation work of nine water bodies in four upazilas in the district has been progressing fast amid much enthusiasm of all concerned.
The objective of the work is to enhance fish production to meet the growing demand of protein and to create job opportunities for the poor to help them pass their days without economical trouble during the lean period.
Department of Fisheries is implementing the work under Flood Control and Irrigation and Integrated Fish and Animal Development Project involving Tk34.50 lakh while the government is providing the fund, office sources said.
Under this project, three big ponds are being excavated in Shaghata upazila, two in Fulchhari upazila and Sundarganj upazila each and one dead river and an enclosed canal in Sadullapur upazila. .
Job opportunities have been created for about 500 poor men of the localities, said sub assistant engineer of district fisheries office Shajahan Miah.
Each of the workers is earning money ranging from Tk250 to 300 per day against the work that began on March 27, he said.
After the earth work, a total of 218 beneficiaries would get scopes to cultivate fish in the water bodies to change their socio-economic condition gradually.
Abdur Razzak, a team leader of Shaghata upazila, said all the selected poor men were being economically benefited through involving themselves in the project.
On Wednesday, a team of journalists of print and electronic media visited different water bodies in Fulchhari upazila and expressed their satisfaction over the ongoing work.
District fisheries officer Abdul Latif said over 90% work had already been completed and the rest would be finished by May 31.
