January 22, 2002	Tuesday	Ziqa’ad 7, 1422

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MINGORA, Jan 21: With the advent of winter season illegal fishing in the rivers and tributaries of the Malakand division is on the rise, with no checks by the authorities.

The use of high-powered explosives and poisonous chemicals by illegal poachers is posing a serious threat to the rare aquatic species.

Despite repeated complaints and Press reports the authorities concerned have so far taken no measures to stop this practice.

A pesticide, “cymag”, which is meant for eradication of rats, mice, rodents and other creatures that destroy crops, vegetables and fruits, is frequently used by the hunters. The chemical is stated to be highly dangerous to the aquatic life as it can kill a fish even if used at a place as far as a kilometre, said a fisherman. It is available easily in all the bazaars, specially in the Bara markets.

The government apparently does not seem serious in controlling illegal fishing. Earlier, the number of the watchers in Swat was 27, which has now been reduced to 16 for the entire district under the devolution of power plan. A watchman is required to travel 20km to 25km on both sides of the rivers to keep an eye on the activities of illegal hunters.

The watchers have to cover the entire area from the Landaki checkpost up to the Gabral and Ushu towns of Kalam valley. It has been observed that the illegal fishermen are always armed with weapons and come to the rivers in groups, who can never be stopped by a single unarmed watcher. The complaints about the use of electric current and dynamite are pouring in daily from different areas. In Swat, not only the river, but the tributaries of Barvai, Harnovi, Matta, Baghdherai, Fatehpur, Khwazakhela, Hazara, Kokarai and Barikot are famous for illegal fishing. In district Dir, River Panjkora is famous for illegal fishing. There is no check on poaching, specially in the upper parts of the districts. In the areas of Sharingal, Usherai, Kohistan and Lowari the enforcement of relevant laws cannot be imagined of.

When contacted, an inspector of the Fisheries Department, Swat, Jan Sher Khan, said the department was properly playing its role and had controlled the activities of illegal hunters to