Photo : TDM
Approximately six hundred fishermen from Chilmari in Kurigram are enduring harsh living conditions due to the overflowing waters of the Brahmaputra River. The floods have disrupted their livelihoods, making it nearly impossible for them to catch fish as they typically do.
The rising waters have not only made it difficult for the fishermen to navigate their boats but have also resulted in a significant decline in the fish population within the river. Many fishermen have been unable to venture out onto the river for three to four consecutive days. Frustratingly, some have resorted to casting their old, worn-out nets into the river, hoping for a meager catch, but finding little success.
These struggling fishermen lament that they have yet to receive any form of assistance to alleviate their dire circumstances. However, local authorities have assured that they will conduct a swift assessment to identify and provide aid to the affected families residing along the riverside.
The grim reality unfolds in Majhi Para and Basanti villages within the Ramna Model Union of the upazila, where more than six hundred families rely primarily on fishing in the river for their livelihoods. Typically, their catch sustains them, but during the floods, despite the river being abundant with water, fish are scarce, forcing them to endure incredibly challenging conditions.
Bablu Chandra Das, a resident of Basanti village, voiced the widespread sentiment, stating that the onset of floods exacerbates their difficulties. As water levels rise, fish become elusive, and the encroaching waters have surrounded their homes for several days, endangering families. Fishing expeditions by boat have become perilous and fruitless, leading many to remain onshore, their nets idle.
Shyamal Chandra Das echoed the sentiment, highlighting the financial strain of fuel costs for their boats and the diminishing returns. The rising price of fuel, combined with the scarcity of fish, makes fishing expeditions financially unrewarding. Many fishermen have been unable to embark on fishing trips for several consecutive days.
Nuruzzaman Khan, the Upazila Fisheries Officer, clarified that their office typically provides assistance to fishermen during hilsa fishing bans, distributed annually via designated cards. Assistance during disasters is usually facilitated by the upazila administration, but it may not reach everyone in need. Currently, 1178 fishermen hold these assistance cards within their upazila.
Md. Mosharraf Hossain, the Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO), mentioned that while the exact number of individuals affected by flooding remains unknown, as of yesterday, over 11,938 people in the upazila have been trapped by the floodwaters. Relief efforts have been underway, with 18 million tons of rice already distributed to flood victims, and an additional 6 million tons in storage.
Md. Rafiul Alam, the Upazila Executive Officer, affirmed that relief aid is currently being distributed. Assistance for fishermen in dire need will be coordinated through the Chairman of the Ramna Union as part of the ongoing relief efforts.
TDM/SD
