Assam: Gauhati High Court bans fishing in Kaziranga water bodies during Magh Bihu

Putting an end to fishing in the name of tradition, the Gauhati High Court has imposed a strict prohibition on fishing in the water bodies of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, particularly during the Magh Bihu period, citing serious threats to wildlife and the fragile ecosystem of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the High Court took serious note of large-scale illegal fishing carried out every year during Magh Bihu (January 13–14), when thousands of people enter protected areas of Kaziranga to follow traditional fishing practices. Advocate A. Phukan, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court that such activities are in clear violation of wildlife protection laws and have a cascading adverse impact on the park’s ecology.

The petitioner highlighted that illegal fishing disturbs and threatens Kaziranga’s biodiversity, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, several species of migratory birds, and nearly 42 species of fish inhabiting the park’s water bodies. He further emphasized that Kaziranga’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area is at risk if such activities continue unchecked.

Responding on behalf of the Forest Department, D. Gogoi, Standing Counsel, submitted that prohibitory orders are issued every year to prevent illegal fishing. However, he acknowledged that enforcement becomes difficult due to large gatherings motivated by religious and cultural sentiments during the festival season. The court also noted that in previous years, such fishing activities had led to conflicts and clashes between the Forest Department, police, and those entering the park for fishing.

Taking a stern view, the High Court observed that failure to protect Kaziranga would amount to violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and constitutional duties under Article 48A of the Constitution of India, besides breaching international environmental obligations.

Emphasizing that wildlife cannot be disturbed in the name of traditional fishing, the court directed that prohibitory orders must be strictly enforced and warned of stringent punishment for any violation of wildlife laws. The Forest Department has been asked to submit an affidavit by the next hearing, detailing the steps taken so far and outlining effective measures to prevent illegal fishing during the first and second weeks of January.

The court underlined that the matter requires urgent and immediate attention, reinforcing the need to safeguard Kaziranga’s ecological balance and wildlife heritage.

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