Shillong: In a decisive move to protect river ecosystems, the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, has issued a prohibition order banning illegal fishing practices involving poisonous chemicals and explosive substances in the Rynsha and Lawmei rivers near Lawmei village.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), came into immediate effect following alarming reports of mass fish deaths caused by hazardous fishing techniques.
According to the official notification, “miscreants are rampantly killing fishes along Wah Rynsha, Lawmei River, Lawmei village and the adjoining areas through haphazard use of chemicals and explosive substances.”
Substances such as bleaching powder, ammonium-sulphate, pesticides, and dynamite have been explicitly banned, along with the use of harmful fishing nets. Authorities warned that these practices not only endanger aquatic life but also threaten the long-term health of freshwater resources.
Environmental experts have long cautioned against the destructive impact of chemical fishing, which can irreversibly damage biodiversity and contaminate vital water supplies for downstream communities.
Violators of the order will face strict legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the district administration stated, adding that the order will remain in force until further notice.
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