SWABI: Catching fish by a rod attached to electric generator continues in Swabi despite a ban imposed by the district administration on electro-fishing.

The dangerous practice is particularly rampant in Gohati Canal, which has different species of fish.

The people admitted that electro-fishing was risky, but said they enjoyed catching fish that way. Several people have reportedly fallen victim to this hazardous mode.

Gul Nabi Khan, a fish hunter, revealed that a few weeks ago, Ahmad Faraz Khan, a trader in Topi city, was killed while electro-fishing in Topi Badri Nullah.

However, the hunters said they were able to catch 20 to 25 kilogramme of fish daily, adding the good spots along rivers and canals fetched them even more.

Ahmad Ali of Sirai village said the people were not afraid of catching fish through use of electric rod despite the dangers involved.

When contacted, police officials told Dawn that the district administration had imposed strict ban on electro-fishing and other illegal methods like dynamite-fishing, as the illegal practice did a great harm to fish species.

“We have arrested a number of people, imposed heavy fines and confiscated their generators, but that has failed to make people give up the practice,” admitted an official.

However, he said police were constantly keeping a vigil on such activities.

HEALTH FACILITIES SOUGHT: People of Gadoon Amazai belt have demanded provision of improved facilities in the basic health units.

Speaking at a meeting held on Sunday, they said the provincial health minister Shahram Khan Tarakai, who belonged to the district, had failed to upgrade a single BHU in Gadoon region.

Nur Mohammad Jadoon, a labourer leader who belongs to Mangal Chai village, accused the lawmaker of leaving people in the lurch after getting votes from them.

Published in Dawn January 16th, 2017