Traditional community fishing during Bhogali (Magh) Bihu has been banned in the wetlands of Kaziranga National Park as per a directive from the Gauhati High Court. In response to the court ruling, officials from the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) convened with representatives from the Golaghat district administration, Kaliabar sub-divisional administration, and local residents to communicate the prohibition and discuss its enforcement. The ban is specifically in effect within the National Park and its wetlands, which are considered critical breeding grounds for fish across Assam. Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of KNPTR, reiterated that no traditional fishing activities will be permissible in these areas, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about wildlife protection among local communities in the coming days.
In parallel, the Assam government’s Fishery Department has prompted district commissioners to regulate fish prices ahead of the Magh Bihu festival, ensuring that vendors adhere to approved pricing and guidelines. An official order dated January 6 mandates the formation of monitoring teams to supervise fish markets and confirm compliance with price controls during the festive period. This directive stems from the Minister of Fishery, highlighting the need for close cooperation between district fishery development officers and local administrations to ensure that price regulation measures are effectively implemented.