25 Kg Undersize Gillnets Seized In Bilaspur, Four Illegal Fishing Cases

The Fisheries Department is maintaining strict and continuous surveillance in Bilaspur district to prevent illegal fishing activities and the alleged supply of fish from outside states for sale at low prices. Regular monitoring and inspections are being carried out across different parts of the district, including the Gobind Sagar reservoir and fish-selling shops.

Pankaj Thakur, Assistant Director Fisheries, Fisheries Circle Bilaspur, said department teams were regularly inspecting various locations, the Gobind Sagar reservoir and fish markets. Action is being taken according to the rules against those found violating the prescribed regulations.

He said a joint team led by the Assistant Director Fisheries, comprising the Fisheries Officer Conservation, Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Fisheries Officer Jakatkhana, inspected the local fish market. During the inspection, five cases related to illegal fish sale were found. A total fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed in these cases.

As part of the ongoing enforcement drive, the Fisheries Officer Conservation, along with staff, patrolled areas of the Gobind Sagar reservoir covering Bilaspur, Jakatkhana, Seer Khad, Jaddu and Nakrana, up to Lathiani. During the patrol, around 25 kilograms of undersize gillnets were seized. Four cases of illegal fishing were also registered.

The department said it was keeping continuous watch on the use of illegal nets and nets smaller than the prescribed size. An inspection was also conducted at the Fish Landing Centre, Jakatkhana, to investigate a written complaint received from the Fisheries Association regarding contractors not lifting fish.

Pankaj Thakur further said that patrols and inspections had also been carried out in the Bhakra, Lathiani and Dobad Mandli reservoir areas in recent days. During this exercise, one case of illegal fishing was detected.

In addition, department staff conducted patrolling and inspections in the local areas of Kandrour, Bhageड़, Panoul and Bilaspur. Various fish fry shops were also checked during the operation.

The department said it was keeping a close watch on illegal fishing, the transportation of fish without permission and the bringing of fish from outside states for sale in Himachal Pradesh. Surveillance and enforcement action will continue to protect the interests of local fishermen and conserve fishery resources, the department said.

The Assistant Director Fisheries appealed to local fishermen and fisheries cooperative societies to immediately inform the nearest Fisheries Officer or the Fisheries Department if they come across any genuine case involving fish being brought from outside states and sold in local markets, or any matter related to the purchase of fish from local fishermen. The department said the information would be investigated on the basis of facts and necessary action would be taken according to the rules.