MINGORA, Dec 8: Use of explosives and poisonous chemicals during fishing is on the rise in Malakand division, and posing a threat to the rare species of fish.

Despite repeated complaints and press reports, the authorities concerned have not taken any notice of these illegal means of catching fish.

Generally, people use a poisonous chemical ‘cymag’ for fishing. Cymag is used to eliminate rats, mice, rodents and other creatures that destroy crops, vegetables and fruits. The chemical is easily available in the market.

A fisherman said this chemical affected vast area of river and exposed aquatic life to a lot of dangers. The government seemed not serious to control this illegal practice of using chemicals to catch fish, he added.

Earlier, 27 watchmen were working in  Swat, but now the number has been cut to only 16 for the entire district in the new local government system. A watchman is supposed to visit an area of 20 to 25 kilometres on both sides of the river and register cases against the wrongdoers.

They cover the area from Landaki check post up to the Gabral and Ushu towns of Kalam valley.  

In Swat not only the river, but the tributaries of Barvai, Harnovi, Matta, Baghdherai, Fatehpur, Khwazakhela, Hazara, kokarai and Barikot are famous for fishing.

There is also no check on fishing in river Panjkora, district Dir, and in the areas of Sharingal, Usherai, Kohistan and Lowari.

When the authorities of Swat fisheries department were contacted, Inspector Jan Sher Khan informed Dawn that the department was playing its due role and had arrested 406 persons as they were caught in the act of fishing illegally.

The inspector said the ban on permits and licenses was the main reason behind illegal fishing.

About the revenue, the inspector said the department had earned Rs27,000 directly, Rs2,000 and Rs 113,000 through licenses and permits respectively.

The fisheries department had also assisted the private sector which was earning approximately Rs10 million annually, Inspector Jan Sher Khan added.

He said marble factories and hotels were also destroying sea life by dumping their effluent in the river.

The chemicals used at service stations, hospitals, and factories also flew into the water.

Sharifullah Khan, director of the provincial fisheries department in Swat, talking to this correspondent, urged all the people to help control illegal fishing practices in the area.