Photo: Messenger
The Parua Rubber Dam in Rangunia Upazila of Chattogram has been a hub of excitement as the long-frozen waters have been released, attracting around five thousand fishing enthusiasts to the area.
Constructed on the Ichamati River under the guidance of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hasan Mahmud, the dam has brought benefits to thousands of local farmers across five unions in the upazila.
The rubber dam management committee organizes an annual fishing festival by conducting fish farming in the frozen waters, culminating in the opening of the dam for public fishing. The sight of numerous individuals engaged in simultaneous fishing activities along the riverbank creates a festive atmosphere, with people using hand nets, mosquito nets, and various fishing gear to catch a variety of fish species such as rohu, catla, boal, tilapia, and shoal.
Local farmer Shamsul Alam shared his excitement, stating, "I have been fishing since early morning and have already caught around 6 to 7 kg of fish. This fishing festival will continue for two more days." Another participant, Mohiuddin, expressed his joy at catching seven kg of Katla fish, along with tilapia, puti, and shoal.
Zahurul Islam, President of the Parua Ichamati Rubber Dam Water Management Cooperative Society, highlighted the positive impact of the dam on local farmers, emphasizing the release of fish fry into the waters earlier in the year. This year, farmers have collectively cultivated fish through hatcheries in the frozen water, resulting in a significant yield of approximately 235 kg of fish from 35 kg of tilapia fry.
The rubber dam, constructed in 2016 at a cost of about 14 crore rupees, has transformed over 2000 acres of fallow land in five unions of North Rangunia, allowing farmers to cultivate seasonal vegetables year-round. This development has brought immense joy to farmers who now have the opportunity to utilize previously unused land effectively throughout the year, marking a significant shift in agricultural productivity in the region.
The Parua Rubber Dam stands not only as a testament to innovative water management but also as a beacon of prosperity for the local community, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and vibrant communal traditions.
Messenger/Fameema
