‘Illegal’ fishing nets threaten Dal Lake’s biodiversity, migratory birds at risk

Srinagar: The Centre for Environmental Law (CEL), an independent environmental body in the Kashmir region, has appealed to the fisheries department to ensure compliance with existing bans and penalize violations through routine inspections and enforcement drives.
A letter addressed to J&K’s fisheries department highlights the reports of use of ‘banned’ fishing nets in the Dal Lake, stating that it was leading to injuries and trapping of migratory birds.
The letter states that the use of these illegal nets was not only a violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, but also a direct threat to the region’s biodiversity.
“This unlawful practice has led to alarming instances of migratory birds being trapped and injured. These species, vital to the biodiversity of our region, are now at significant risk due to these activities,” reads the letter.
The letter further states that the adverse impact of such actions extends beyond harming migratory birds, it disrupted the delicate ecological balance of Dal Lake, which was already under strain from various anthropogenic pressures.
The CEL in the letter has urged the fisheries department to take immediate measures, like conducting routine inspections to ensure compliance with the ban and penalizing violators. It has also asked for community awareness programs, highlighting to educate the fishing community about the environmental impact of their practices and promoting sustainable alternatives.
The CEL letter has also called for collaborative conservation efforts, calling for partnering with environmental organizations to develop long-term strategies for the protection of Dal Lake’s wildlife.
“I trust that the Department of Fisheries will treat this issue with the urgency it demands and take immediate steps to mitigate the threats posed by the use of banned nets,” reads the letter