Magh Bihu Fishing in Kaziranga Despite High Court Ban

“We need to evolve a holistic approach that can respect the sentiment of the local communities and at the same time ensure that the practice is actually restricted to fishing for feasting purposes only for an hour or two. Regulated fishing for an hour once a year cannot harm the park’s ecology. But under no circumstances should the situation be allowed to be used for commercial fishing. The local communities should be sensitized on fishing only for feasting and they must keep outside elements out of the social custom.”

“It is a protected area and no such activity should be allowed here, as it violates forest, wildlife and conservation laws. It is evident that the menace is getting bigger and more complex with fishing for commercial purposes. The government should act firm in the greater interest of Kaziranga.”

“In any view of the matter, the protection of such site is necessary or else there would be a violation of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; Forest Conservation Act, 1980; and breach of various constitutional obligations under Article 48A of the Constitution of India and of international obligations as well.”

“We, therefore, deem it necessary to direct that the necessary prohibitory orders must be enforced.”

“The government must treat the matter seriously and step in firmly to curb fishing, particularly done for commercial purposes.”