Fish diversity in Kaptai Lake, Rangamati, has fallen alarmingly. Instead of large carp, small native fish, kachki and chapila, have increased.

The Rangamati fish landing centre now depends on these two species, and fishers, traders and workers have many complaints. Kachki and chapila have taken the place once held by Kaptai's diverse native fish. Fishers and traders say the lake is becoming empty of fish for various reasons, and the fingerlings released with fanfare every year do little good.

Complaints are also mounting about crises and mismanagement at the Rangamati fish landing centre, the main hub for Kaptai's fish. Jahidul Islam, local marketing officer of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), spoke of various limitations. BFDC chairman Dildar Ahmed said the corporation is aware of the issues, but fishers, traders and workers say these crises are steadily dimming Kaptai Lake's wealth.

Source: Shykh Seraj, Hridoye Mati O Manush. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.