‘Brutal fishing practices imperil aquatic life’

Official says dynamite fishing depletes fish population

HARIPUR:

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Fisheries Department has warned fishermen against fishing with illegal techniques, stressing that their illegal practices are pushing rare fish species to the brink of extinction.

Highlighting the illegal practice, Fisheries Department Assistant Director Abdullah expressed concern over the daily use of dynamite for fishing in Tarbela Lake, which is resulting in the depletion of fish, crabs, and other aquatic life.

He questioned the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and local administration in preventing these activities, urging higher authorities to take immediate action.

The reckless use of explosives in Tarbela Lake, spanning five districts and covering an area of 100 square miles, poses a severe threat to its ecosystem and future, Abdullah noted.

He pointed out that illegal fishing is rampant in the affected areas around Tarbela Lake, including Gandaf Gadoon, Swabi district, Durhamt, Khabal Singhahari, Purghazi, and other locations.

Groups of individuals armed with dangerous dynemites employ these explosive materials for unlawful fishing, resulting in the depletion of fish stocks and harm to other aquatic life, as well as causing financial losses to the fisheries department.

Abdullah warned of the potential for conflicts between the conservation staff and illegal fishermen. He expressed concern over the source of the dangerous ammunition used by these hunters on a daily basis. Additionally, there is apprehension that the water in Tarbela Lake may become contaminated due to the use of these explosive materials, affecting both local communities and wildlife.

The official called upon the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary, the inspector general of police, the secretary of fisheries, and the director-general of fisheries to take immediate action to prevent illegal fishing.

Section 144 imposed

The district administration of Haripur in light of the directive issued by the IHC Monday imposed Section 144 CrPC, restricting the transfer of movable assets within or beyond the boundaries of Haripur, related to the Pak-China Fertiliser Company.

Additionally, any construction on the land of the Pak-China Fertiliser Company has been subject to a legal ban under this provision.

With additional input from APP

 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2023.