Kaziranga National Park Faces Illegal Fishing Threat During Magh Bihu
High Court Takes Action Against Illegal Fishing
Guwahati, Dec 19: The Gauhati High Court has expressed serious concern regarding extensive community fishing activities occurring within Kaziranga National Park during the Magh Bihu festivities 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, which includes 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 area to avoid violations of 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 be enforced.” They also requested documentation of actions taken by the authorities to manage these activities in Kaziranga National Park and suggested effective strategies for control.
The court highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that immediate attention from the respondents is required. They requested an affidavit detailing the measures implemented to prevent such activities during the first two weeks of January in Kaziranga National Park.
The PIL, filed by Choudhury, seeks prompt judicial action to stop extensive fishing in the park's water bodies. Advocate A Phukan, representing the petitioner, informed the court about the influx of people who 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 activity blatantly violates wildlife protection laws and disrupts the park's delicate ecosystem.
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 nature of these activities jeopardizes the park's ecological integrity.
Kaziranga National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
D Gogoi, the Standing Counsel for the Forest Department, acknowledged 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 for religious reasons.