The administration took strict action against lawbreakers in Nesarabad upazila of Pirojpur on the last day of the hilsa conservation drive. In a day-long joint drive by the fisheries department, river police and upazila administration at various points on the Sandhya river on 25 October, 20 fishermen were detained.

Several thousand metres of banned current net and a number of fishing trawlers and boats were seized. At 11pm a mobile court sentenced some of the 20 detained fishermen to jail terms of different lengths and fines. The seized nets were burned.

The drive was led by Nesarabad Upazila Nirbahi Officer Zahidul Islam, upazila fisheries officer Faria Konok and river police officer-in-charge (OC) Subrata Kumar. Other local administration officials were also present.

Upazila fisheries officer Faria Konok said fishing is completely banned during the government ban to protect mother hilsa in the breeding season, yet some dishonest fishermen were breaking the law and fishing in the river. Such drives to protect mother hilsa will continue, she said.

Subrata Kumar, OC of Nesarabad river police, said they always take a firm stand on hilsa conservation. Their main aim is to make ordinary fishermen aware and encourage them to follow the law. Drives against lawbreakers will continue, he said, but support will continue for those who follow the rules.

People involved said the administration's firm stand and awareness activities have drawn a positive response and raised awareness among ordinary people in the area.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.