To safeguard aquatic biodiversity, the Office of the District Magistrate, Sonitpur, has implemented comprehensive fishing restrictions effective immediately throughout the district. Issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), this order aims to protect natural breeding cycles and ensure the sustainability of fish populations in local water bodies.
Ankur Bharali, ACS, District Magistrate, Sonitpur, issued the prohibitory order on April 4, 2025, following a government notification from the Assam Fishery Department dated March 28, 2025.
Seasonal Net Restrictions
- From April 1 to July 15, 2025, the use of Berjal/Mahajal, Fasijal, or any fishing nets with mesh sizes smaller than 7 cm bar/14 cm mesh is strictly prohibited in all proclaimed fisheries under the Assam Fishery Rules, 1953.
Year-Round Prohibitions
- The use of Mosaijal (nets with mesh sizes smaller than 1 cm bar/2 cm mesh) is banned throughout the year in all fisheries.
Protection of Brood Fish
- Catching brood fish of certain species including Rohu, Catla (Bahu), Mrigal Mali (Calbasu), Chital, Kharia, Pithia (Mahasol), Gharia, and Kuri (Gonius) is prohibited from April 1 to July 15, 2025, in all proclaimed fisheries, rivers, and tributaries.
Additional Seasonal Restrictions
- From May 1 to July 31, 2025, there is a prohibition on catching brood fish of certain species in any proclaimed fishery.
- From August 1 to October 31, 2025, catching, killing, consuming, or selling undersized fish of specified species is prohibited.
- The order warns that any violations will invite penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
These measures are part of the district administration’s efforts to ensure the natural breeding, propagation, and growth of fish populations during their critical reproductive periods, supporting both ecological balance and the long-term sustainability of local fisheries.
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