𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

Srinagar, May 18: The Department of Fisheries has intensified its crackdown on illegal fishing in Dal Lake and nearby areas, seizing over 3,400 gill nets and collecting fines amounting to Rs 1.71 lakh as of March last year.

Deputy Director Nahida Akhtar, overseeing Project Gagribal in Srinagar, told Rising Kashmir that while regular monitoring is ongoing, the department swiftly acts on reports of illegal fishing. “Once we receive a complaint, our team is alerted and immediately responds. Officers reach the site, and illegal nets are confiscated,” she said.

In addition to routine surveillance, anti-poaching squads are formed annually. “This year too, a dedicated anti-poaching party was constituted at the state level and has already been conducting raids,” she added.

Dal Lake remains under constant vigilance, with stationed staff regularly confiscating illegal gear. “Up to March last year, we seized around 3,400 gill nets and imposed Rs 1.71 lakh in fines. However, complaints often come from within the fishing community itself,” Akhtar noted.

Awareness campaigns are regularly conducted to educate fishermen about the dangers of gill nets, particularly their impact on juvenile fish, which harms the lake’s fish population. “We encourage community monitoring and discourage such harmful practices,” she said.

With the fish breeding season starting in late April—especially for carp—fishing is strictly prohibited for about two and a half months. This ban is enforced under both state and central laws. To support affected fishermen, financial aid is provided annually to around 3,000 registered individuals.

Despite the restrictions, some continue rod fishing in Dal Lake. While this method is less harmful, it is regulated. “We’ve increased the rod fishing license fee from Rs 300 to Rs 600 per year and conduct regular license checks,” Akhtar stated.

All fishing licenses for Dal Lake are issued through Project Srinagar at the Gagribal Inspector Fisheries office. “Those interested must apply through our office. Our teams are on duty around the clock to ensure illegal fishing is curbed effectively,” she said.