Shillong, April 17: In response to reports of rampant illegal fishing, the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills has issued an order prohibiting the use of toxic chemicals and explosive substances for fishing in the Umiam River within the Umlyngka village boundary — stretching from Sdad Wah Umkhrah to Sdad Jlu.
Invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the order bans harmful fishing practices involving bleaching powder, ammonium-sulphate, pesticides, dynamite, and other destructive tools such as illegal fishing nets. The directive aims to prevent environmental degradation and protect the river’s fragile aquatic ecosystem from further harm.
The order comes following reports that miscreants were engaging in widespread and indiscriminate use of these hazardous methods to kill fishes along Umiam River within the boundary of Umlyngka village and the adjoining areas, causing irreversible damage to the river and endangering its aquatic life.
Violators of this order will face prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The order has been enforced with immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.
