In a direct violation of conservation laws, hundreds of people engaged in illegal fishing at Kalmukh Beel in Kaziranga National Park during the Magh Bihu celebrations. Despite the presence of forest and police personnel, the group disregarded the ban, which was put in place to safeguard the park’s unique biodiversity.
On January 10, the Assam government issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Wildlife Protection Act, aiming to prevent unauthorized fishing and entry into the park during the festive period. The move followed concerns from the Divisional Forest Officer about the environmental damage caused by such activities.
Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces ongoing challenges in balancing local cultural practices with conservation efforts. The illegal fishing threatens the park’s wetlands and wildlife habitats while contributing to traffic congestion and potential law and order issues due to large crowds.
The order specifically bans community fishing in the park’s rivers, beels, and wetlands, with exemptions for forest and police personnel on duty. Violators could face legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), as authorities continue to enforce the law and protect Kaziranga’s delicate ecosystem.
