Kaptai Lake Resumes Full Fish Harvesting After Ban

Fish harvesting, processing, and marketing activities have officially and fully resumed across Kaptai Lake located in Rangamati, bringing an end to a strict three-and-a-half-month administrative closure. The comprehensive prohibition on fishing operations was originally instituted by the Rangamati district administration to safeguard the lake's ecological balance, ensure the uninterrupted natural breeding of carp species, and promote the balanced biological growth of aquatic life within the water body. This vital conservation period commenced initially on April 25 and was originally scheduled to run through July 31. However, to further protect the fisheries and environmental integrity of the lake, local authorities found it necessary to extend the seasonal ban subsequently until August 10.

With the formal conclusion of the restrictive period, commercial fishing operations recommenced precisely at midnight on August 10. The immediate resumption of activities injected immense economic vitality into the region, drawing local fishermen, traders, and various operational personnel back to the waters of Kaptai Lake. According to official operational data recorded by the authorities, the reopening of the lake triggered an immediate surge in productivity, with large quantities of diverse local fish species being brought ashore day after day to supply regional and national markets.

The scale of the harvest during the first week of operations has been substantial, as documented by the Kaptai Fishery Development Corporation and the Kaptai Fishery Harvesting Sub-center. Over the course of the last seven consecutive days following the midnight reopening, a total of 224 tonnes of various fish species have been successfully harvested from the expansive waters of Kaptai Lake. Daily collection figures highlight a strong initial output: the very first day saw a massive harvest of 53.198 tonnes of fish, followed by 36.978 tonnes on the second day, 26.498 tonnes on the third day, 32.782 tonnes on the fourth day, 27.245 tonnes on the fifth day, 28.497 tonnes on the sixth day, and concluding the initial week with 19.320 tonnes of fish harvested on the seventh day.

This robust and steady influx of fresh fish into the supply chain has generated immediate financial returns for the state administration. Through the centralized collection of fees, levies, and associated operational charges tied to the harvesting and commercial processing overseen by the Kaptai Fishery Development Corporation's sub-centers, the government has successfully accumulated a total revenue of 50 lakh taka within just the first week of resumed operations.

Business communities and industry stakeholders have expressed profound optimism regarding the commercial prospects of the newly harvested stock. Belal Hossain, a representative voice within the local trading sector, highlighted the widespread appeal of the region's aquatic produce: "The fish of Kaptai Lake have a stellar reputation across the entire country. Prominent and renowned institutions from far and wide are coming right here to purchase fish. We strongly hope that, just like in previous years, local traders will be able to secure substantial profits this season."

The successful execution of the harvest and subsequent marketing rollout involves key administrative coordination and oversight from multiple local bodies, including the Rangamati district administration, the Kaptai Fishery Development Corporation, the Kaptai Fishery Harvesting Sub-center, and the Kaptai Fish Traders Association. Individuals actively connected to the management, trade, and regulatory framework of this vital seasonal reopening include Jasim Uddin, Omar Ali, Subol Das, Md. Arab Ali, and Belal Hossain.