After 15 Years, Revival Plan Offers Fresh Hope for 29 Baors
Bangladesh has proposed a five-year, Tk47.55 crore project to restore 29 wetlands across four southwestern districts, raise fish production by at least 10% and improve livelihoods for local fishing communities.
In a Nutshell
- The Department of Fisheries proposed the project for 29 baors in Jashore, Jhenaidah, Chuadanga and Kushtia, the first major initiative of its kind in the area in 15 years.
- Planned work includes dredging silted wetlands, creating fish sanctuaries, restoring fish-fry ponds, setting up nurseries and releasing native fish.
- The proposal allocates Tk11.22 crore for excavation, Tk7.6 crore for releasing fish fingerlings, and Tk7.3 crore for rebuilding six baor management offices.
- Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain said local fishing communities would take part in managing the waterbodies.
- Officials also plan to update the list of genuine fishers, as cooperative membership records dating from the 1990s have not been regularly updated.
- The proposal has been sent to the Planning Commission after receiving in-principle approval in January 2026.
Context
The project began taking shape in 2025, when the then Jashore deputy commissioner initiated work on a plan to increase fish production in the region’s wetlands. Many baors have become shallow because of silt buildup, reducing the water they can hold and damaging fish habitats, according to the Department of Fisheries.
The proposed five-year programme combines physical restoration with community management. It includes excavation to deepen selected sections, fish sanctuaries where fishing is restricted to allow breeding, renovation of 35 fish-fry ponds and establishment of 290 nurseries. Officials also plan to install six deep tubewells and release carp and native fish into selected waterbodies. The project aims to raise fish production by at least 10% and improve access to fisheries resources for local communities.
Why It Matters
The proposal addresses two connected problems. First, declining fish habitats and access to livelihoods. Silted baors hold less water, leaving less space for fish to breed and grow. Excavation, sanctuaries and nurseries bring habitat restoration into a plan targeting at least 10% higher fish production. For fishing communities, the significance lies in whether healthier wetlands translate into more reliable catches and incomes.
Along with that, access matters as much as output. Cooperative records dating back to the 1990s risk leaving today’s fishers excluded from management decisions and project benefits. Updating those lists places representation- who gets recognised, who participates and who gains from restored public waterbodies at the centre of the revival.
What We Think
The strongest part of this proposal is its connection between ecological repair and the livelihoods of fishing communities. A revived baor means a healthier ecosystem and a fairer livelihood, along with higher production.
Along with that, the budget should also be reviewed. Rebuilding six management offices accounts for Tk7.3 crore, close to the Tk7.6 crore allocated for fingerlings. Public reporting on expenditure, habitat recovery and fishers’ earnings gives a better measure of success than completed buildings or fish released.