Bokakhat (Assam): The Government of Assam has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), restricting community fishing and unauthorised entry into the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve during the Magh Bihu celebrations.
The order, dated January 10, 2025, was promulgated by Shivani Jerngal, Co-District Commissioner of Bokakhat, following concerns raised by the Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division.
The decision comes in light of increasing instances where large groups of people, citing traditional practices, have entered Kaziranga’s protected wetlands, rivers, and beels.
This activity has caused disturbance to the park’s ecosystem and violated sections 27 and 29 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making such acts cognizable and non-bailable offenses.
Illegal fishing and unauthorised entry disrupt the sanctity and ecological balance of Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Moreover, the large gatherings for community fishing often lead to traffic congestion along National Highway 715 and have the potential to escalate into law and order situations.
The order strictly prohibits unauthorised entry into Kaziranga National Park and community fishing in the park’s beels, rivers, and wetlands.
Exemptions are granted to police personnel, forest officials, government servants on duty, and security personnel.
The order is effective immediately and has been passed ex-parte due to the urgent nature of the situation. Violators will face legal action under Section 223 of the BNSS, 2023.
Individuals aggrieved by the order can approach the Co-District Commissioner with a written appeal to seek modifications or exemptions.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya: Mukroh villagers to skip ADC polls
Additionally, the SDIPRO, Bokakhat, has been instructed to ensure wide publicity of the order through print and electronic media.
This proactive measure aims to safeguard the park’s integrity while balancing the cultural traditions of Magh Bihu.
Authorities have emphasised that preserving Kaziranga’s ecosystem is a shared responsibility and called for cooperation from the public.
