Angling in Lidder river triggers fears about spread of COVID-19, Will stop activity if people face problems: Director Fisheries
Srinagar, June 20 (KNO): Kashmir is abound with stories about poor struggling to reach hospitals during the ongoing lockdown imposed by the authorities to control spread of deadly COVID-19. But “elites” from different parts of Kashmir are managing to get permits from Fisheries department for angling in Lidder river in Pahalgam and its adjoining areas, raising questions about government’s policy for controlling the pandemic which has consumed 80 lives in the Valley so far.
The Kashmir News Observer is in possession of several anglers permit issued by the Directorate of Fisheries to people against fee of Rs 1000 in Lidder river of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The department’s move to issue permits has triggered fears about spread of COVID-19 in Pahalgam and adjoining areas, with locals accusing the authorities of putting their lives at risk.
“On one hand, the government is talking about enforcing lockdown but on the other, the department is granting permits for angling in the area,” a group of locals said.
They accused the authorities of putting their lives in risk by allowing angling in the area. “People from other areas come here daily for fishing. Why this activity is allowed when restrictions are imposed in the region? Is Trout fishing a priority of government when common people are struggling to meet their day-to-day needs. This activity should be immediately banned,” they demanded.
According to them, the anglers are not adhering to guidelines/ Standard Operating Procedure issued by the department for fishing.
On May 27, the Directorate of Fisheries decided to allow Trout angling throughout J&K Union Territory with certain riders. It is worthwhile to mention here that Anantnag district accounts for nearly 10 percent COVID-19 cases in J&K. As many as 595 persons have been tested positive in the district where outsiders come for trout angling.
The district is among the eight districts of Kashmir Valley declared as red zone by the authorities.
Authorities speak when contacted, Director Fisheries, Muhammad Amin told KNO they will stop issuing permits from Monday if locals are facing any problem.
“We had started the activity to stop poaching,” he said, adding that they are allowing fishing by two persons in one beat—(KNO)
