Halda River is the largest natural fish breeding center in Asia. This river originates from Badnatali hill in Ramgarh police station of Khagrachari district. The river crosses Raujan in Phatikchari and Kalurghat in Hathajari and merges into the Karnaphuli river. The river has a length of 95 km and a depth of 25–50 feet.
Eggs of carp like Rui, Katla, Mrgel, Kaliboush etc. are collected directly from Halda river. The main season for fish egg collection in Halda river is Baishakh-Jaisthya month. The mother fish lays her eggs during heavy rains and thundering clouds on Amavasya and Purnima tithis. In the last fifties, 70% of the country’s total fish demand was met by Halda river fish. In 1946, 4000 kg of eggs were collected from Halda river. In 2007, 350 kg of eggs were collected. Hence Halda river is called as natural gene bank and fish mine. This river is called mother fish maternity clinic. Dr. Siddiq Publications
At present 4 bends of Halda river have been cut. Switchgates have been constructed in an unplanned manner. Industrial factories have grown uncontrollably. Fish breeding grounds have been destroyed. The mother fish is being killed.
In 1987, the Barighona section of Hathazari in Chittagong was officially declared a sanctuary for the first time. In 2013, 70 recommendations were made regarding the conservation and development of the natural fish breeding grounds of the Halda River. A modern laboratory called Halda River Research Laboratory has been established in Chittagong University. In 2021, 23,422 acres of Halda River has been declared as Halda Fisheries Heritage. Along with the declaration of Halda Fisheries Heritage, 10 restrictions have been imposed.
1. No one can catch fish in Halda river.
2. Only eggs can be collected during the breeding season under the supervision of the Department of Fisheries. Dr. Siddiq Publications
3. No one can disturb the biodiversity of Halda river.
4. Halda river cannot be polluted.
5. No one can throw garbage in this river.
6. No one can change the natural course of Halda river.
7. No dam can be built in this river.
8. No project to collect water from Halda river can be taken up.
9. During fish spawning, motorized boats cannot ply in the river.
10. Halda river can only be used for research purposes.