Assam: Sonitpur District Magistrate issues ban on use of fine-mesh nets

Our Correspondent

Tezpur: In accordance with Government Notification eCF No. E-634285/04 dated 28.03.2025 and under the powers vested by Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the District Magistrate of Sonitpur, Ankur Bharali, has issued an official order effective throughout the district to ensure the protection of fish during their natural breeding season. To support the natural breeding, propagation, and growth of fish in all fisheries and natural water bodies, certain measures have been implemented with immediate effect. Accordingly, the use of Berjal/Mahajal or Fasijal or any nets with mesh size less than 7 CM Bar/14 cm mesh is strictly prohibited during the breeding season, i.e., from April 1 2025 to July 15, 2025, in any proclaimed fishery under Rule 23(1) of the Assam Fishery Rules, 1953. Meanwhile, the use of Mosaijal (nets with mesh size less than 1 cm Bar/2 cm mesh) is prohibited throughout the year in any fishery under Rule 23(2) of the Assam Fishery Rules, 1953.

Prohibition on catching of Brood fish of certain species in any proclaimed fishery w.e.f.  May 1, 2025 to July 31, 2025 under rule 23-A(1) of the Assam Fishery Rules, 1953. Prohibition on catching and killing by any method of fish for any purpose including consumption and selling of undersized fish of certain species w.e.f. 1 August, 2025 to 31 October, 2025 under Rule 23-A(2) of the Assam Fishery Rules, 1953.

Catching of brood Fish (Fish carrying eggs & sperms) of the following species namely Rohu, Catla (Bahu), Mrigal Mali (Calbasu), Chital, Kharia, Pithia (Mahasol), Gharia and Kuri (Gonius) is prohibited from 1 April, 2025 till 15 July, 2025 (both days inclusive), in any proclaimed Fishery/ Rivers/Tributaries etc.

Any violation of this order will attract penal action under Section 223 of BNSS, 2023. The District Administration urges all fishers and stakeholders to adhere strictly to these directives to ensure the sustainability and ecological balance of aquatic biodiversity in Sonitpur district.

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