Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 2: The State High Court has directed for clear cut norms and conditions with regard to permissive fishing in Dal lake area.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey after perusal of report said it is apparent that illegal fishing goes on in the Dal lake for commercial purposes.
Court, however, has been apprised that regular patrolling is being resorted to for curbing the menace of fish poaching and thousands of nets have been confiscated.
“However, the fact remains that illegal fishing and poaching is a reality and needs to be curbed. There are sufficient measures under the J&K State Fisheries Act. The issuance of licenses for fishing in the Lake also appears to be without any fixed criterion or norm”, DB said.
Court also directed for separate criteria for fishermen and for recreational fishing. Report also mentioned that the Fisheries Department undertakes regular stocking and augmentation of the water-body with quality fish seed of desirable size.
Court has also been informed about the species of fish found at present in the Lake and as per the report the total number of species which are to be found are 16. “The Fisheries Department shall submit a detailed report with all the species found in the Lake and their relative population size by next date of hearing”, DB directed.
Report also revealed that local variety of fish Schizothoracids), which were the original habitants of the lake, has declined in number.
Court said this is largely due to change in the physiochemical parameters water which, in turn, has resulted due to influx of high nutrient load and other pollutants in the Lake.
Court has also been informed about the water quality in Cheshmashahi spring and as per the report by PCB the water of the spring is absolutely safe for drinking.
Court directed for continuous water sampling of the spring as also cross checked by the SPCB so that if there is any contamination in future that can be taken up immediately.
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