Arin (Bandipora), Jan 31: The illegal fish catch is going on unabated in various streams at Arin area of Bandipora district with authorities turning blind eye towards the issue.
 According to the residents, some persons are involved in the illegal fish catch at Arin Nallah, Athwatoo Sonarwani Nallah and Sumlar Nallah wherein Trout, Silver Carp, Rohu and Katla fish types are found in abundance.
 "The presence of large number of rivers and streams has made Bandipora a haven for illegal fish catch,” said Mansoor Ahmed a student of fisheries, adding "that persons have been actively involved in trout fish catch in the absence of guards at various streams.”
 Sources told Greater Kashmir that these persons, besides using the net, use chlorine, calcium carbonate or Lime (CaCo3) and sometimes electric current to kill fish.
 Locals in Athwatoo told Greater Kashmir that few influential contractors were allegedly paying hefty amounts to locals to catch the trout fishing in the Athwatoo Nallah.
 "Few contractor and influential persons of the town are coming to our village and are paying few persons who in turn catch fishes especially trout for them," said Muhammad Ramzan, adding "field employees of fisheries department are well aware about this illegal trade, but they are acting as mute spectators.”
 "Unemployed youth in our village are also involved in the act" said Manzoor Ahmed.
 "The district administration is also aware about illegal fishing, but they haven’t done anything substantial in this regard,” Manzoor added.
 "There is need about general awareness among the masses as they are oblivious of the fact that illegal fishing is threatening the ecology of the area," said a social worker, Muhammad Saeed Beigh.
 "The government is also losing crores of rupees as revenue due to illegal poaching,” Beigh added.
 District Fisheries Officer Bandipora, Muhammad Siddiq told Greater Kashmir that the department was understaffed.
  "I will definitely look into the matter and teams will be deputed in these the villages to control the illegal fishing," Siddiq added.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 IST