Usman Majid Seeks Crackdown on Illegal ‘Bengali Nets’ to Save Wular Lake Fisheries

Convener News Desk

Bandipora, July 30: Former Minister and Ex-MLA Bandipora Usman Majid has expressed grave concern over the declining fish population in Wular Lake, blaming the widespread use of illegal oversized fishing nets, locally known as “Bengali nets,” for posing a serious threat to the lake’s fragile aquatic ecosystem.

In a statement, Majid said the large nets indiscriminately trap fish of all sizes, including juvenile and breeding fish, leaving little scope for natural regeneration. He warned that if the practice continues unchecked, Wular Lake could witness a sharp decline in fish production, adversely affecting the livelihoods of hundreds of families dependent on fishing.

Describing Wular Lake as the lifeline of Kashmir’s freshwater fisheries, Majid said the waterbody has sustained generations of fishermen and remains one of the Valley’s richest fish-producing ecosystems. He cautioned that unchecked exploitation through destructive fishing methods is pushing the lake towards an ecological crisis.

He appealed to the fishing community to abandon harmful practices and work collectively towards conserving fish resources for future generations, stressing that protecting fish stocks is both an environmental responsibility and an economic necessity.

Calling for immediate intervention, Majid urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government, the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration, the Director of Fisheries, the Fisheries Department, the District Administration Bandipora and other concerned agencies to launch a comprehensive drive against the use of prohibited “Bengali nets.”

He demanded regular inspections, seizure of illegal nets, strict enforcement of fisheries laws and continuous monitoring to prevent further depletion of fish stocks.

Majid also sought a fair and transparent inquiry into whether officials responsible for protecting Wular Lake had failed in their duties or, if evidence so established, facilitated illegal fishing activities. He said any official found guilty of negligence, collusion or violation of the law should face strict legal and departmental action.

“Wular Lake is the lifeline of Kashmir’s fisheries. If we fail to protect its fish today, future generations will inherit an empty lake instead of a thriving ecosystem. This is not merely about fish production; it is about safeguarding our environment, our heritage and the livelihood of thousands of hardworking families. The time for complacency has ended. What is needed now is immediate action, strict enforcement and zero tolerance for those destroying the priceless aquatic wealth of Wular Lake,” Majid said.