There is no alternative to preserve the natural features of the Halda River to keep the true descendants of native fish alive. Halda River is called the 'Life Lineth' of Chittagong. Because around 60 to 7 million people live in Chittagong city. Out of the water supplied by Chittagong WASA day and night to meet their needs, 18 crore liters of water is collected from this Halda river every day. Chittagong city has Bay of Bengal on one side, mountains on one side and Karnaphuli river on the other side.
Halda river is the only fresh water source in it. If the Halda river is endangered for any reason, then the life of the people of Chittagong will be endangered. And that Halda river is losing its navigability due to sand filling. Although there is constant talk about halda in the public and private sectors, no one is taking any initiative in mining. According to many, there is an invisible reason behind this. However, the residents of Halda, real egg collectors, public representatives all share the same opinion. Deprived of national river declaration.
On the ground, speaking with the residents of Halda Par, egg collectors and public representatives, it is known that the river is knee-deep in some places. The fact of loss of navigability emerges especially during the dry season.
Dr. Manjurul Kibria, researcher of Halda and professor of zoology department of Chittagong University, supports the manual extraction of sand and said that the demand of sand will be fulfilled as the depth of Halda will be restored in this method. Besides, if the obstacles of the branch canals of Halda are removed, then the silt accumulated in Halda will be removed in the normal flow of the branch canal. He said that instructions for manual sand extraction have been given long ago but have not been implemented.
Halda's navigability will be saved if the instructions are properly implemented.District Fisheries Officer Srivas Chandra said, if there is no vibration on the ground and if the bank is not broken and the environment is not disturbed, sand can be lifted manually. Many people are now thinking about protecting Halda's navigation. But we have to proceed in that direction by doing environmental survey. Expert opinion will be needed for this. Upazila Nirbahi Officer ABM Moshiuzzaman said that manual extraction of sand is going on in many places but it is beyond the scope of the administration. Halda will regain its depth if planning is done in an official manner.
ZH
