Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Law to protect inland water resources soon

G. Anand

Plan to end destructive methods of fishing, illegal encroachment, reclamation

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Government is in the final stage of drafting a law that seeks to protect nearly 2.4-lakh hectares of ecologically fragile inland water resources from destructive methods of fishing, illegal encroachment and reclamation.

If enacted, the proposed Kerala Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2006, will ban the use of "cross nets or stake nets" that "encroach upon or affect the migratory pathways of fish and other organisms."

Fishing methods that have a destructive effect on fish larvae will be discouraged. No fishing will be allowed for a period of 60 days during the breeding season of commercially important species such as Indian carp in rivers, reservoirs and wetlands.

Wanton killing of fish, larvae and other organisms having ecological or economic importance will be treated as cognisable offence with a penalty of Rs. 5,000, six months imprisonment or both.

Destructive fishing methods, including the use of poison of plant origin, explosives or electricity, will invite a punishment of Rs. 10,000 or one year imprisonment or both.

Construction of structures that impede the movement of fish will be treated as a cognisable offence.

All fishing craft and nets used in inland waters have to be registered with the Government. The police will be given the power to verify the registration certificate of fishing equipment. Ecologically important water bodies would be declared "fish sanctuaries," where public entry would be restricted. The proposed law also has provisions to punish those who pollute inland water bodies or breed prohibited species of exotic fish.

The Government also plans to prepare an inventory of deep pools in riverine stretches and declare the spots as protected areas to conserve freshwater fish. The connectivity of wetlands with rivers will be protected to enable fish to move to their natural breeding grounds during flooding.

The proposed law is expected to benefit the interests of 41,223 "active" inland fishermen using traditional gear and crafts, Government sources said. The inland fishermen population in Kerala is currently 2,51,482 and inland fish production is estimated at 75,000 tonnes a year.

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