[ Litem Eshi Ori ]

RUKSIN, 15 Jun: The office of the additional deputy commissioner here in East Siang district has issued an order imposing immediate ban on illegal fishing activities in the rivers and tributaries in the Rayang area.

The order has been issued following receipt of complaints from village authorities regarding the use of harmful and prohibited methods of fishing, including gelatine explosives, generators, inverters, chemicals, and other destructive substances. “Such practices have been found to seriously disturb the aquatic ecosystem, create ecological imbalance, and pose risks to environmental sustainability and public welfare,” the order read.

The administration further noted that the period from May to August is the breeding season for fish species in rivers and rivulets. “Protection of aquatic habitats during this period is essential to prevent depletion and extinction of fish species and to maintain ecological balance,” it said.

Accordingly, the use of explosives, chemicals, electric devices, and any other harmful means for fishing have been strictly prohibited with immediate effect.

In addition, the administration has received reports regarding unauthorised collection and transportation of boulders, sand, and gravel from village quarry areas and nearby locations. “Such activities may lead to severe soil erosion and increase the risk of natural calamities, especially during the monsoon season,” the order read.

The administration has therefore imposed an immediate ban on illegal extraction, collection, ferrying, and transportation of boulders, sand, and gravel from unauthorised areas.

The Ruksin CO and the RFO, besides the officer-in-charge of the police station and the  AMDO have been directed to strictly enforce the order and conduct regular monitoring and checking to curb such illegal activities.

The public has been requested to cooperate with the administration and immediately report any such illegal activities to the authorities concerned.

Violation of the order will invite penal action under the Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Act, 2006, along with other relevant provisions of law, the order read.