The Bilaspur Fisheries Department carried out a two-day intensive drive to stop illegal fishing and the use of banned nets in the Govind Sagar lake. Officials said six cases were registered during the campaign.
They said these included two cases of illegal net transportation and four cases of fishing without a licence. During the checks, the department recovered 20 kgs of unlicensed fish worth around Rs 2,000, and a fine of Rs 3,500 was collected on the spot, officials stated on Saturday.
Assistant Director of the Bilaspur Fisheries Department, Pankaj Thakur, said the inspection was held in the Bajaura, Naharal, Jablu, and Bagchhal areas of the Sir Khad region on Wednesday, and in Dobad, Lathiani, Mandli, and Dohak areas on Thursday.
In Lathiani, an individual was fined Rs 1,000 on the spot, and about 15 kgs of nets were recovered. The team also checked the boats stationed in the lake.
Pankaj said the department will continue this strict and regular monitoring to fully curb illegal fish trade, net transportation, and the use of banned nets. He urged the local fishing community and residents to follow the Himachal Pradesh Fisheries rules.
In another case, the teams recovered 16 kgs of fish during illegal transportation in the Balhsina area. A challan of Rs 2,000 was issued against the person involved, while Rs 1,600 was collected from the seized fish.
He said a zero-tolerance policy is being enforced against illegal fishing in the Govind Sagar lake area. He added that stricter action will be taken in the future against anyone violating the rules.
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