Sowmitrow Sumon, Payra Port (Patuakhali)

The century-old Dhalasur Canal in Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali is gradually silting up due to sediment accumulation, creating a serious navigability crisis.

The situation is disrupting the movement of fishing trawlers and the transportation of fish, affecting thousands of fishermen. Although trawlers can move with difficulty during high tide, they frequently become stranded on submerged shoals during low tide. As a result, fishermen cannot return to the landing points on time, causing fish worth hundreds of thousands of taka to spoil. Fishermen also face difficulties reaching safe shelters when warnings of storms and tidal surges are issued. Local residents fear that unless the canal is dredged promptly, the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people dependent on the Bablatalā Fish Market will be at risk.

The canal is directly connected to the century-old Bablatalā Fish Market in Dhalasur Union of the upazila. Every day, fishing trawlers returning from the sea become stranded on submerged shoals and have to wait for hours before reaching the market. In many cases, the fish spoil, while fishermen are forced to sell their catches at lower prices. As travelling to alternative landing points involves additional fuel costs, many fishermen are compelled to carry their catches on their heads.

Fisherman Sobhan Sikder said that the canal once had a strong current, but now, during low tide, people can walk from one bank to the other. As fishing trawlers remain stranded on submerged shoals, fishermen cannot bring their catches to the market on time, resulting in financial losses.

Mohammad Russell, an arat owner at Bablatalā Market and a Union Parishad member, said that fish worth crores of taka are traded at the market during the winter season. However, the accumulation of sand at the mouth of the canal has made it almost impossible for large trawlers to navigate. He warned that if the canal is not dredged soon, many fishermen may be forced to abandon their profession.

Businessman Haji Masud said the very existence of the market depends on the canal. Due to the navigability crisis, fishermen are becoming reluctant to bring their catches to the landing point. He urged the government to take immediate steps to dredge the canal.

Mohammad Jahirunnabi, Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer, said that reduced navigability and submerged shoals are creating persistent obstacles to trawler movement. He added that the matter had been brought to the attention of higher authorities so that necessary dredging initiatives could be taken promptly.

Mamun Ur Rashid, Executive Engineer of the Barishal Dredger Division, said that if the concerned representative submits an application for dredging the Dhalasur Canal, the authorities can conduct an on-site inspection and take necessary measures.