PESHAWAR: The Kaghan Development Authority has banned trout fishing in the Kunhar River and lakes of the region for two years with an immediate effect.

The ban slapped in light of Hazara commissioner’s directions will also extend to the issuance of licences and permits, said a notification issued by the deputy commissioner’s office.

The decision was made during a meeting of the KDA.

Minutes of the meeting said the illegal and ruthless trout fishing was taking place in the River Kunhar and Saifulmalook and Dudipatsar lakes.

They added that commissioner of Hazara division Riaz Mehsud directed the wildlife department to deploy force and ensure availability of wildlife watchers to check illegal fishing.

The commissioner banned trout fishing in the River Kunhar and lakes for two years to protect fish.

It was also proposed that all hotels selling trout fish clearly mention in their menu that they only serve farm trout fish and not the river trout fish.

The wildlife department was directed to shift ‘temporary khokas, hotels and jeep addas’ to at least 500 meters off the lake.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2020