KAZIRANGA: In a significant effort to safeguard the sanctity of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve and ensure law and order during the upcoming Magh Bihu celebrations, the Co-District Commissioner of Bokakhat, Smti. Shivani Jerngal, IAS, has issued a prohibitory order against illegal entry and community fishing in the park's beels, rivers, and wetlands. The order, effective immediately, comes in response to concerns raised by the Divisional Forest Officer, Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Bokakhat.
The decision was prompted by observations from recent years, which revealed large-scale gatherings of people entering the park under the guise of tradition to participate in community fishing from January 13 to January 16. This activity, while culturally significant, has been found to violate Sections 27 and 29 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making such acts cognizable and non-bailable offenses under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.
The Co-District Commissioner highlighted several concerns arising from the practice, including the disturbance to wildlife, potential law and order issues, and traffic congestion along National Highway 715 due to the influx of participants.
“Entering the National Park during this period not only disrupts the sanctity of the park but also poses a threat to its biodiversity and leads to public inconvenience,” stated the official order.
The prohibitory order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, explicitly bans any form of illegal entry or community fishing within the Kaziranga National Park area. Exceptions, however, have been made for police and security personnel, forest officials, and other government servants performing their duties.
For persons who feel the order is unfair, the Co-District Commissioner has requested them to send a letter issuing their problem.
The order warns of strict action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, against violators of this directive. Although community feasts and traditional practices such as fishing are celebrated across Assam as a custom of the Magh Bihu festival, authorities have requested the citizens to abide by these customs with the laws designed to protect the environment and wildlife.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya: NPP Releases Second List Of Candidates For ADC Polls
ALSO WATCH: