Keeping in view the breeding period of fishes during current rainy season and with the objective to preserve them, fishing in ponds and water resources linked with rivers-rivulets have been prohibited till August 15, an official statement said on Tuesday.
The prohibition does not apply on the ponds and water resources, which are not linked with rivers-rivulets. Directorate of Fishery has issued notification in the context. Notification states that with effect of the prohibition on fishing, June 16 to August 15 has been declared as the closed season for such ponds and water resources. Directorate of Fishery had issued circular in the context on June 10, to all the Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Deputy Directors Fishery (Training) and Assistant Research Officers with instructions to ensure necessary action as soon as possible.
As per the circular, the water reservoirs, where fishery is done through cage culture, will not be under the effect of this prohibition. It is informed to the citizens through notification that closed season has been declared under Sub-Section-2, Section 3 of Chhattisgarh River Fishery Industry Act-1972.
There is a provision of one year imprisonment, or Rs 5000 fine or both as punishment, if violation during closed season is proved under Rule-3(5) of Chhattisgarh State Fish Area (Amended) Act.