Bilal Bhat
Sumbal-Sonawari | Bandipora | April 18:
Amid rising ecological concerns, a disturbing trend of illegal fishing during the breeding season has surfaced in the Jehlum River across Bandipora district, with locals alleging that officials in the Fisheries Department are taking bribes to allow the practice. These activities not only threaten the aquatic ecosystem but also raise serious questions of corruption and complicity within government ranks.
Civil society voices have begun documenting this organized violation. Showkat Hameedi, a local activist and prominent civil society member, told Awami Reporter that while recording illegal fishing in the Sumbal-Sonawari belt, he was abused and threatened by those involved. “It seems the net of corruption goes deeper than we thought. If this isn’t official involvement, then what is?” Hameedi asked. He has called for the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to initiate an urgent inquiry into the functioning of the local fisheries office.
According to the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Section 11 and Section 51 prohibit hunting or capturing of wildlife, including fish, during breeding seasons. Fishing during breeding time is not just illegal—it directly violates the Fish and Fisheries Conservation Act and carries penal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. The pre-monsoon and spring seasons are vital for fish reproduction, and illegal netting during these months causes irreparable damage to aquatic biodiversity and depletes future fish populations.
Locals allege that despite being aware of this seasonal window, some fisheries field officials are silently allowing violators to cast nets across breeding zones, particularly during early mornings and late evenings. “We’ve seen fisheries employees turn a blind eye. Boats pass freely, nets are spread across the river, and no one stops them,” said a fisherman from Shadipora, on condition of anonymity.
In response to these alarming revelations, Awami Reporter contacted Director Fisheries Kashmir Abdul Majeed Tak
, issued a firm statement and said “We will take deadly action against violators. No one will be spared. I have directed a tough, independent inquiry into this matter, and if any officer is found guilty, action will be exemplary.”
Further, Mohammad Aslam Bhat, Assistant Director of Fisheries for Ganderbal and Bandipora, confirmed that he has already launched action and is conducting field visits in Shadipora and other suspected pockets.
> “We’ve started a crusade against illegal fishing. We are monitoring hotspots and are in touch with local police to ensure violators are booked,” he said.
However, the gap between policy and field enforcement continues to haunt the region. Civil society activists demand that those threatening whistleblowers like Dr. Hameedi be identified and punished.
If allowed to continue unchecked, this illegal activity could devastate Jehlum’s fish population, cripple local livelihoods dependent on sustainable fishing, and weaken the public’s faith in environmental enforcement agencies.
The people of Bandipora now wait for actions—not just statements. The question remains: Will the system punish the corrupt or protect them again under the veil of bureaucracy?
