Pune: Strict Measures Against Illegal Fishing in Ujani Dam, License Mandated by District Collector

Ujani, 5th December 2023: In a bid to curb illegal fishing activities, District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh has initiated stringent action against fishermen, particularly those engaging in the unauthorized fishing of small fish and rearing prohibited Mangur fish in the developed areas surrounding the Ujani Dam. The decision, taken on Monday, emphasizes the mandatory requirement of a fishing license.

Instances of illegal fishing, both by licensed and unlicensed fishermen, have been reported in Daund and Indapur of Pune district, Madha and Karmala of Solapur, and Karjat and Shrigonda talukas of Ahmednagar district. To address this concern, a meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Dr. Deshmukh, involving representatives from Water Resources, Police, Revenue, Fisheries Department, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and local fishermen’s organizations.

The directives include a ban on fishing small fish and the rearing of prohibited Mangur fish. Fishermen have been instructed to immediately destroy nets and materials used for illegal fishing, and Mangur fish farmers must eliminate their existing stocks. Farms situated in the Ujani Reservoir vicinity are also mandated for destruction.

The Collector stressed that a fishing license is mandatory, and local fishermen are urged to obtain the required permits from the nearest Water Resources Department branch office. Unlicensed fishermen entering the reservoir without permission will face legal consequences, as confirmed by the Executive Engineer of the Ujani Dam Management Department. The move aims to protect the ecosystem of the Ujani Reservoir and uphold the principles of responsible fishing.