Rotting fish

Afew months ago a man was jailed in Sindh for carrying a blind Dolphin, but large numbers of fish and other aquatic animals have been found dead due to poisoning canals of the Sukkur Barrage, and the regional fisheries director insists that nothing of the sort has happened. However, he admitted that in the past, such incidents happened but this year all areas were being strictly monitored, with fisheries department personnel deployed to keep a strict watch on the situation.

The reality on the ground and what government officials themselves say give a lie to this claim. This was all a hollow claim, says a government official with a wry smile. Another government official also contradicts the claim, saying nowhere has he seen any deployment to stop the abominable practice, exposing the tall claims of the director as pure wind. A local says it is a well-entrenched practice and it would be a big challenge for the government to stop it. The provincial fisheries department, the Sindh Wildlife Board, and the provincial irrigation department have drawn scathing criticism from all quarters for letting things drift.

It is an inexpensive method of catching fish by poisoning the water, and the practice is common in the region. Under the relevant law, anyone found poisoning water is to be let off by giving an undertaking through an affidavit. A maximum fine of Rs100,000 can be imposed on the offender. A case is to be registered if one is found to be a habitual offender. The fisheries director claims that not a single case of the law’s violation had been reported since 2018.

These poisoned water canals are also the natural habitats of Dolphins and turtles, so the criminal practice of poisoning water to catch fish is also threatening these water species. A Sindh Wildlife Board official says they are trying to sensitise villagers and other locals on the harmful consequences of catching fish by poisoning water. Fish caught by poisoning water also pose grave harm to the health of humans and of other animals. Of course, the practice also damages the environment.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2021.

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