Taking serious note of large-scale community fishing in Kaziranga National Park during the Magh Bihu celebrations, the Gauhati High Court has mandated the Assam government and relevant authorities to strictly enforce prohibitory measures against illegal fishing within this protected area. The court was prompted by a public interest litigation (PIL No. 63/2025) filed by environmental activist Rohit Choudhury, who highlighted the significant environmental impact of these activities during the festival, which occurs annually on January 13 and 14.
A division bench consisting of Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury emphasized that failing to protect Kaziranga would violate several laws, including the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, as well as constitutional obligations under Article 48A and various international commitments. The bench underscored the urgency of protecting the park’s ecosystem from further degradation and requested comprehensive reports from the authorities on measures taken to tackle illegal fishing.
The court’s directive included a request for an affidavit detailing actions to prevent illegal fishing specifically during the first two weeks of January. The petitioner asserted that the unchecked fishing practices have detrimental effects on Kaziranga’s biodiversity, threatening endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros and numerous migratory birds, along with slightly over 42 fish species. Kaziranga, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area (IBA), necessitates the strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
During the hearings, standing counsel for the Forest Department, D. Gogoi, acknowledged the challenge in enforcing prohibitory orders due to the influx of visitors during the festival, who engage in traditional fishing driven by cultural customs. The proceedings highlight the delicate balance between cultural practices and environmental preservation within one of India’s key conservation areas, stressing the need for immediate and effective intervention to protect Kaziranga’s fragile ecosystem.
