Bhopal: The Bhopal district administration has imposed a ban on fishing in rivers and reservoirs from June 16 to August 15 to protect fish during the monsoon breeding season.
Collector and District Magistrate Priyank Mishra issued the order under Section 3(2) of the Madhya Pradesh Riverine Fisheries Act, 1972. The period has been declared a closed season to support fish breeding and ensure the long-term conservation of fisheries resources.
According to the notification, the ban will apply to all rivers and reservoirs in the district. However, small ponds and water bodies that are not connected to any river and do not fall under the definition of specified waters have been exempted from the restriction.
During the closed season, fishing activities will remain completely prohibited. The sale, exchange and transport of fish will also not be allowed in the notified water bodies during the restriction period.
The Collector has appealed to fisheries cooperatives, fishermen groups, private fish farmers and the general public to strictly follow the rules. He urged people not to engage in fishing, fish trade or fish transport between June 16 and August 15, and not to assist others in carrying out such activities.
The administration has warned that strict legal action will be taken against those who violate the order. Under Section 5 of the Madhya Pradesh State Fishery Area (Amendment) Act, 1981, offenders can face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both.
To ensure effective implementation, directions have been issued to the police department, forest department, Janpad Panchayats, municipal bodies, fisheries officials and fishermen cooperative societies. These agencies have been asked to maintain strict surveillance and take necessary action against illegal fishing and fish transportation during the closed season.
Officials said the annual restriction is aimed at protecting the natural breeding cycle of fish and maintaining healthy fish populations in rivers and reservoirs across the district.
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