MARDAN: The Wildlife Mardan Division has taken action against the illegal use of electricity to catch aquatic wildlife, seizing equipment used for electro-fishing during a raid in Takhtbhai Block.
The operation was conducted by Ibrahim Shah, Deputy Ranger and In-Charge Takhtbhai Block, on the directions of Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife Mardan Izaz Ali Shah.
During the raid, the wildlife team recovered equipment allegedly being used for the illegal electrocution of water bodies. Legal action was initiated against the violators on the spot under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 2015.
The DFO Wildlife Mardan appreciated the field staff for the operation and directed them to continue strict patrolling to prevent such illegal activities.
Illegal electro-fishing can harm aquatic biodiversity by killing or injuring fish and other aquatic organisms and disrupting local ecosystems. Strong enforcement and regular monitoring are therefore important for protecting rivers, streams and other water bodies.
The Wildlife Department said continued field action would be taken to protect aquatic species and conserve the province’s natural ecosystems.
