Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Magh Bihu Fishing in Kaziranga Despite High Court Ban
During the Magh Bihu festival, people went fishing in Kaziranga National Park, even though the High Court had banned it.
The government didn't stop them, and many fish were caught and sold in markets.
Some people say fishing for a short time for the festival is okay, but others want a complete ban because it harms the park.
The government is worried about causing trouble with the local people, so they didn't enforce the ban strictly.
The High Court said the park must be protected by law, but the government didn't take strong action.
Community fishing occurred in Kaziranga National Park during Magh Bihu despite a High Court ban.
The State government issued prohibitory orders but did not enforce them effectively.
Fishing has expanded from traditional community feasting to commercial sales, with fish ending up in nearby markets.
Political reluctance to enforce the ban due to upcoming elections and fear of antagonizing local communities.
Forest officials are divided: some advocate for regulated fishing, while others demand a complete ban to protect the park's ecology.
- Who
- Local communities, commercial syndicates, State government, Kaziranga National Park authorities, Gauhati High Court
- What
- Community fishing in Kaziranga National Park during Magh Bihu despite a High Court ban
- When
- January 17-18, 2025 (Magh Bihu festival)
- Where
- Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, India
- Why
- Traditional practice for community feasting, but has expanded to commercial fishing; political reluctance to enforce ban
- Location
- Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, India
- Event
- Community fishing during Magh Bihu
- Ban Issuer
- Gauhati High Court
- Ban Date
- Last month (before Jan 18, 2025)
- Fishing Duration
- Two days (Jan 17-18, 2025)
- Key Figures
- Rohit Choudhury (environmental activist), Forest officials, State government
- Legal Basis
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; Forest Conservation Act, 1980; Article 48A of the Constitution of India