ASSAM: FISHING NETS BANNED ACROSS HAILAKANDI DISTRICT FROM APRIL

In a bid to safeguard fingerlings, fish species and increase their population, fishing nets, including mosarijal have been banned across Hailakandi district of Assam with immediate effect until July 15. Fishing nets with less than one cm bar or two cm meshes in size are banned for use during the breeding season, said the order issued by Deputy Commissioner, Hailakandi, Adil Khan. The nets have mesh spanning from one to two cm that blocks small fish, fishlings and fish eggs from falling back into the waters, thereby stopping them from multiplying.

“The move is aimed at curbing the exploitation of fish by safeguarding the fingerlings and eggs. It will ensure natural breeding, conservation and growth of fish in fisheries and natural water bodies,” said the order. Moreover, the order prohibits the catching of brood fish of certain species in proclaimed fishery from May 1 to July 31 and catching and killing including consumption and selling of undersized fish from August 1 to October 31.

“Any person who violates the order shall be liable to a fine which may extend to Rs.5,000. A further penalty of Rs.100 per day will be levied on those who continue to commit the offence repeatedly,” the order stated. The order stated that fishing nets and other equipment used in the commission of the offence would be confiscated. If any lessee commits offence twice, his lease will be terminated besides imposition of other penalties such as forfeiture of security deposit.

Deputy Commissioner, Khan directed the Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, Hailakandi, Executive Officer, Hailakandi Municipal Board and the Executive Officer, Lala Town Committee to ensure strict enforcement of the order by stopping sale of prohibited sized fish in the markets under their respective jurisdictions. Khan asked the OCs of police stations and officials of Fisheries Department to execute the prohibitory order and to submit compliance report.