Several hundred fishermen yesterday blocked Domar-Dimla Road demanding cancellation of lease of the water reservoir of Buri Teesta Irrigational Project to an outsider for fish cultivation. Movement of all types of vehicles came to a halt for three hours because of the blockade.

The agitating fishermen alleged that Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) used to regularly lease out the reservoir to the local co-operative society of the poor fishermen.

But this year the BWDB authorities in Nilphamari allowed Tusco Resource of Gazipur district to cultivate fish in the reservoir, they said.

Locals observed that the poor fishermen of Domar and Dimla upazilas would be financially hit by the decision.

Rasul Siddiki, a leading member of the fishermen's cooperative said the reservoir was leased out to an outsider through a 'stage-managed' tender depriving the poor and helpless fishermen.

Local fishermen would continue their movement until the lease is cancelled, he said.

However, the fishermen withdrew the road blockade at the request of former whip of Jatiya Sangsad Abdur Rouf. They then sent a memorandum to the minister for water resources.

Contacted, an engineer of BWDB told newsmen that Tuska Resource won the lease order as they were the highest bidder. They will cultivate both local and hybrid varieties of fishes, he added.

Buri Teesta Irrigational Project was set up in the region in 1983 to irrigate about 11, 000 acres of land. But the project could not become successful so far due to 'technical problems.' However, the reservoir of the project is now being used for fish cultivation.