MUZAFFARGARH: The contractors are catching fish near Leshariwala forest at Taunsa Barrage in the river Indus in violation of the Punjab Fisheries Ordinance that bans fishing from June to August, the hatching season of fish.

Dawn has learnt that contractors’ boats are busy catching fish illegally the whole day at the barrage by casting nets.

A source in the department alleged that there was a mafia behind the illegal fishing protected by local politicians and the fisheries department could not take action against those violating the rules.

Some environmental activists have raised the issue, protesting against the system of contractors and the fisheries department to stop catching fish during the three months.

The executive engineer of Head Taunsa Barrage said the fisheries department was responsible to stop the illegal fishing.

Despite the illegal hunting going on in the river, the Fisheries department officials claim to be vigilant to stop the illegal practice, denying that any fishing was going on in the river. If any person would be found fishing in the river, the department would take action against him and his boat would be confiscated, an official claimed.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2021