Fisheries Dept cracks down on poachers in Pong reservoir

The Fisheries Department has intensified its surveillance efforts to curb illegal fishing in the Pong Dam reservoir, following a ban on fishing that is in effect from June 16 to August 15. The move aims to protect fish during their breeding season. Over the past week, authorities have successfully detected 14 cases of illegal poaching, resulting in fines totalling Rs 8,800.

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On Monday, three poachers were caught red-handed in the Nandpur area of the reservoir and Rs 1,990 were recovered from them.

According to Sandeep Kumar, Assistant Director Fisheries Department (Pong reservoir), to enhance monitoring, the department has deployed a motorboat for patrolling and established 14 surveillance camps at Dehra, Jambbal, Nandpur, Hairpur, Meenu Khad, Padal, Dandehar, Harsar, Samkehar, Jawali, Guglara, Sinhal, Dhameta, Sthana, Barnail, Siyul khad and Dadasibha.

Kumar emphasized that violations of the fishing ban are considered non-compoundable offenses and can lead to up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000.

During the breeding season, each fisherman receives an off-season allowance of Rs 4,500 for two months as compensatory financial relief, with a contribution of Rs 1,500 from the beneficiaries. Additionally, the Fisheries Department provides free accidental insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to each fisherman along with quality fishing nets and boats at subsidised prices.

Vivek Chandel, Director of the Fisheries Department in Bilaspur, told The Tribune that the department imposes a blanket ban every year on fishing in Gobind Sagar, Pong, Chamera and Kol Dam reservoir in the state.