High Court Orders Action Against Illegal Fishing in Kaziranga National Park
Court Directives to Protect Kaziranga's Ecosystem
Guwahati, Dec 19: The Gauhati High Court has expressed serious concern regarding extensive community fishing activities occurring within Kaziranga National Park during the upcoming Magh Bihu celebrations in mid-January. The court has instructed the Assam Government and relevant departments, along with Kaziranga authorities, to implement necessary prohibitory measures to prevent illegal fishing.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury, responded to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL 63/2025) submitted by environmental activist Rohit Choudhury. They emphasized the importance of protecting this vital area, warning that failure to do so would violate the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, and various constitutional obligations under Article 48A of the Indian Constitution, as well as international commitments.
In their recent ruling, the court stated, “It is imperative that the necessary prohibitory orders are enforced.” They also requested documentation of the measures taken by the authorities to manage such activities in Kaziranga National Park and suggested effective strategies for control.
The court highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “This matter requires immediate attention from the respondents.” They requested an affidavit detailing the actions taken to prevent such activities during the first two weeks of January in Kaziranga National Park.
The PIL filed by Choudhury called for immediate judicial action to stop large-scale fishing in the park's water bodies. Advocate A Phukan, representing the petitioner, informed the court that numerous individuals enter the park annually during the Magh Bihu festival, celebrated from January 13 to 14, to engage in traditional fishing practices in the protected waters. This ongoing activity blatantly violates wildlife protection laws and disrupts the delicate ecosystem of the park.
Such practices pose a threat to the park's biodiversity, including endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros, various migratory birds, and around 42 fish species. The unchecked activities jeopardize the park's ecological integrity.
Kaziranga National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area (IBA).
D Gogoi, the Standing Counsel for the Forest Department, acknowledged the issue, stating that the authorities are aware of the situation and have regularly issued prohibitory orders to manage illegal fishing in the park's water bodies. However, he noted challenges in enforcing these orders due to the large crowds drawn to the site by religious observances.