By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 22: The United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District Fishery (Amendment) Bill, 2023, passed by the KHADC on Friday prohibits any form of fishing or angling competition without prior approval of the council.
The amended bill says, “Permission for fishing and angling competition: Except under licences or permission obtained as prescribed by rules under this Act, any form of fishing or angling competition shall be prohibited.”
The amendment bill additionally specified that prior authorisation from the KHADC executive committee and the Fishery Officer is required for the organisation of such fishing and angling competitions, subject to the payment of fees as the EC may from time to time establish under this Act.
The amendment bill states that any destructive fishing methods, including the use of poison, dynamite, toxins, or other deadly chemicals, or the passing of electrical current for fishing, will be considered offences under this Act.
It also states that the EC could designate any body of water as a fish sanctuary for the preservation of aquatic life by outlawing fishing there through a notice published in the official gazette.
The EC has the authority to designate any body of water as protected if fish extinction is an immediate danger. The amended bill also states that any violation of the prohibition would result in either a fine determined from time to time by the EC, a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both.