The district administration of Shangla has imposed a complete ban on all forms of fishing across the district until September 1 and enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to protect indigenous fish species during their annual breeding season.
Official Notification Details
According to an official notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Shangla, the prohibition applies to all rivers, streams, canals, and other water bodies located within the district’s territorial limits. The administration stated that the breeding season of local fish species begins on June 1 and continues until September 1. During this critical period, unregulated and illegal fishing activities can pose a serious threat to aquatic life and the natural ecosystem, adversely affecting the reproduction cycle of fish and disturbing environmental balance.
Reasons Behind the Ban
Officials warned that excessive fishing during the breeding season could significantly reduce fish populations, threatening biodiversity and undermining efforts to conserve natural aquatic resources. The administration noted that protecting breeding fish is essential for maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fish stocks for future generations. The decision was taken on the recommendation of the District Officer Fisheries Shangla, who advised the authorities to implement strict conservation measures in view of the ecological importance of the breeding season.
Legal Consequences and Enforcement
The notification clearly states that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the ban. In addition to prosecution under the law, all fishing equipment used in violation of the order will be confiscated by the authorities and will not be returned to the offenders. District officials said that the enforcement of Section 144 is intended to ensure strict compliance with conservation regulations and prevent activities that could endanger aquatic species during the most sensitive stage of their life cycle.
Public Appeal and Cooperation
The Fisheries Department and district administration have appealed to the public to cooperate fully with the authorities and refrain from fishing throughout the restricted period. They emphasized that protecting aquatic biodiversity and preserving the natural breeding process of local fish species is a collective responsibility requiring public participation and awareness. Local residents have also been urged to report incidents of illegal fishing to the relevant authorities so that immediate action can be taken against violators.
