TAUSEEF AHMAD
BANDIPORA, Apr 1: Illegal fishing activities in Wular Lake during breeding season has affected the fish species in the lake, experts suggest. The locals have been demanding action from the authorities to stop this illegal practice and protect the aquatic life in the lake.
Wular Lake, located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia and an important breeding ground for various fish species. However, the illegal fishing activities during breeding season have been threatening the breeding grounds, leading to a decline in fish population and posing a threat to the livelihood of the local fishermen.
According to the locals, illegal fishing is being carried out using banned nests and trapping juvenile fish, thereby affecting the overall fish population in the lake.
“It is a matter of great concern that illegal fishing is being carried out during the breeding season, which is leading to a decline in fish population. We have been raising this issue for a long time, but no action has been taken yet,” said Ghulam Ahmad, a local fisherman to Kashmir Despatch.
The locals have been demanding that the authorities take strict action against those involved in illegal fishing and also ensure the implementation of the laws and regulations to protect the aquatic life in the lake.
“If government will buy this seed it will cost in crores. This is a time when these fishes give seeds. Instead of controlling this the employees are seated in their homes. We totally depend on this lake and we don’t understand for what work government is giving salary to these employees if they are not able to control it”,Mohd Shaban a local fisherman said.
“We urge the authorities to take immediate action to stop the illegal fishing and protect the breeding grounds of fish species in the lake,” locals added.
The illegal fishing activities in Wular Lake have also been affecting the tourism industry in the area, as the lake is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and diverse aquatic life.
Meanwhile, Additional Director fisheries Bandipora while speaking with Kashmir Despatch, have assured the people that necessary action will be taken to stop the illegal fishing and protect the aquatic life in the lake.
“We are aware of the illegal fishing activities in Wular Lake,as we have already received several complaints against illegal fishing, and are taking necessary measures to stop it. We urge the locals to cooperate with us in our efforts to protect the aquatic life in the lake.”
The illegal fishing activities in Wular Lake during the breeding season have raised serious concerns about the conservation of aquatic life in the lake. The authorities need to take prompt action to stop this illegal practice and ensure the protection of the breeding grounds of fish species in the lake.
