DIMAPUR, Oct 29 - Sixteen villages under Doyang Hydro-electric Project in Wokha district of Nagaland have agreed to ban the use of explosives and poisonous substances for fishing at Doyang Reservoir and its surrounding areas.
This was decided at a seminar-cum-sensitisation programme, organised by Wokha district administration, on harmful use of explosives for fishing at North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) recreation hall at Doyang on Saturday, an official release said on Monday.
The 16 villages are Ashaa, Pangti, Sungro, Sunglup, Yonchucho, Yikhum, Englan, Riphyim Old, Riphyim New, Thillong, Changsu Old, Changsu New, Ekhyoyan, Ronren, Meshangphen and Aree Old.
In his keynote address, Wokha deputy commissioner Manazir Jeelani Samoon said when it comes to enforcement with regard to conservation of indigenous fish species and fish productivity, the various authorities will strictly follow the laid down regulations to curb or control any illegal activities for the welfare and benefit of the community.
Stating that a concrete solution can be brought about only with community participation, Samoon urged all the stakeholders to work together to eradicate harmful practices like use of explosives and chemicals for fishing so as to save our ecosystem.
He also said in order to improve the lot of the fishermen community, further deliberation will be held with all the affected villages, fishermen community and various departments during which an action plan will be formulated. He also requested the NEEPCO officials to extend necessary help from their end for the benefit of the affected villagers.
Speaking on the use of explosives for fishing and its impact on the environment, Wokha divisional forest officer Zuthunglo Patton pointed out that destructive fishing practices destroy fish habitat. Patton appealed to the villagers to stop using explosives, poison or any other destructive practices for fishing.