Fishing in Swat: Dynamite instead of rods and poison for bait

Brutal methods destroy aquatic life in the river, harm humans.

MINGORA: When people think of fishing, rods with bait attached to the end are usually what spring to mind, but in Swat, fishermen resort to blowing up dynamite and poisoning the water to ensure a decent catch. Their illegal and rather brutal methods are not only destroying aquatic life, but are also hazardous for humans, experts say.

The river is a major source of irrigation for thousands of acres of agricultural land and orchards in the valley. It is also rich in aquatic life and supports the livelihoods of people who catch the fish and sell it in the local market.



To fish in the river, locals have to acquire a licence and many do abide by the rules.

In addition, the fisheries department claim, 63 farms have been set up along Swat River. Of those, 26 in Upper Swat are for trout, while the rest are for carp. Both species can be reared on a large scale. Training centres have also been established for hatchery owners and the fishermen. The department set up Trout Culture and Training Centre in Madyan.

“I am content as I can earn a modest income from fishing in Swat River,” Azim Khan, a resident of Takhta Band, tells The Express Tribune. “About a thousand families catch fish and sell it in the market to earn a livelihood.”

Without bait

Although he uses more traditional methods; those adopted by other fishermen in streams and rivers of the valley have a devastating effect on the species living in the river.

“Some hunters use electric currents, while others poison the water and even blow up dynamite in it,” said Akbar Zeb, a local fisherman.

Electrocuting the water has led to deadly consequences for humans caught in the wrong time at the wrong place.

Poisoning the water has a knock-on effect for both aquatic life and people who eat the contaminated fish and consume the water. Over time, using poison to fish can wipe out other river species, say experts, as can using dynamite.

Experts have urged authorities to put an end to these illegal methods of fishing before they cause irreversible damage. In the name of animal rights, activists have long been asking the fisheries department and district government to put an end to the brutal ways of killing fish in Swat River.

Swat Fisheries Assistant Director Jahansher Khan says action is being taken against those violating the law. Surprise raids are being conducted on both sides of the river, he says. Hundreds of offenders have been caught and fined by the fisheries assistant warden.

“If they are found in using dynamite, electrocuting or poisoning the water, their cases are sent to court and decided according to the law.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2014.