Bandipora, Mar 31: Residents of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday called for a prohibition on illicit fishing in the Wular Lake during the spawning season to safeguard the aquatic life in the lake.
A delegation of fishermen of Saderkoot Bala while voicing their concerns told Rising Kashmir that the illegal fishing done during the spawning season in Wular Lake has been putting the breeding grounds in jeopardy, thus resulting in a decrease in fish population and jeopardizing the livelihood of the local fishermen.
They said that illegal fishing is taking place with the use of prohibited nets and the capture of juvenile fish, thus having an adverse impact on the total fish population in the lake.
A fisherman from Laharwalpora village expressed his concern to Rising Kashmir, stating that the illegal fishing taking place during the breeding season has caused a decrease in the fish population. He further said that despite the fact that this has been brought to attention for a long time, no action has been taken yet.
He pointed out that the illegal fishing practices taking place at Wular Lake have been having an unfavourable effect on tourism in the area, as the lake is renowned for its picturesque scenery and abundant aquatic life, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Mohd Shakir, a social activist, expressed serious concerns about the conservation of aquatic life in Wular Lake, due to the illegal fishing activities that are taking place during the breeding season.
He urged the authorities to take swift action to halt this unlawful practice and safeguard the spawning sites of the fish species in the lake.
Additional Director of Fisheries Bandipora informed Rising Kashmir that they have been apprised of the unlawful fishing activities occurring in Wular Lake, as they have already received several complaints, and are taking action to prevent it.
He further requested the locals to join them in a bid to safeguard the aquatic life in the lake.
