Illegal sand extraction: Boat engines destroyed, nets seized from Halda River

Local administration yesterday destroyed the engines of 12 motorized boats that were extracting sand in Halda River, the only natural fish breeding ground in the country. 

In addition, equipment and nets used for sand extraction were destroyed.

The drive was conducted from morning till noon in Azimer Ghata in Amtua, Pora Kapali Sluicegate Ghat areas in Hathazari upazila of Chittagong.

Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ruhul Amin said the Hathazari Upazila administration has been conducting the mobile court since yesterday morning to protect the biodiversity of the Halda River.

He added that 3,000 meters of nets were seized from the Amtua area in North Madarsha union at midnight on Thursday. Gorduara and North Madarsha Union Parishad chairman and village police assisted in the drive.