Illegal fishing continues unchecked in Nallah Madumati and Arin within the Bandipora region of north Kashmir’s district, despite the Fisheries department’s lofty assurances.
Miscreants employ various methods to capture fish in different sections of Nallah Arin. According to locals who spoke to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), they utilize fishing nets, bleaching powder, and various types of hooks for this purpose.
Local residents have raised serious concerns, accusing the Fisheries department of negligence and indifference to the ongoing issues in the nallah. According to them, the Fisheries department guards assigned to the area are conspicuously absent. Furthermore, the use of bleaching powder is deemed inhumane, subjecting the fish to a protracted and agonizing demise due to oxygen deprivation.
Numerous residents have also claimed that those responsible for contaminating the stream to capture trout and other fish acquire bleaching powder from various other departments.
Meanwhile, several experts emphasize that bleaching powder becomes highly effective during periods of slow water flow and low water levels. They explain that bleaching powder induces de-oxygenation in water, resulting in a significant fish mortality rate in the affected area. An official said that he will look into the matter—(KNO)