Meghalaya bans illegally imported fish from Bangladesh

Authorities in the north eastern Indian state of Meghalaya have banned the transportation, storage and sale of fish illegally imported from Bangladesh in at least two districts following reports of unregulated consignments entering the state through porous border routes,  PTI reported yesterday (2 February), citing official orders.

East Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills districts have issued the ban citing concerns over public health and bio-security, the orders said.

In East Khasi Hills, the in-charge district magistrate issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, stating that "the transportation, storage, sale or distribution of fish illegally imported from Bangladesh without valid legal documents is hereby prohibited within the jurisdiction of East Khasi Hills district."

A similar order was also issued by South West Khasi Hills district deputy commissioner.

According to the order, reports have been received that "illegal transportation of fish from Bangladesh is taking place through various border routes, riverine channels, roads and market points within the state," with the possibility of such consignments entering the district through multiple channels.

It said that the illegal transportation and entry of unregulated fish violate customs, import-export and food safety regulations and "carry the potential of introducing diseased or restricted species."

Warning of wider implications, the order noted that "the illegal, unchecked and uncertified sale and distribution of these foreign-origin fish pose a serious risk to public health and sanitation, negatively impact the bio-security of the local aquatic ecosystem and cause economic loss to legitimate fish traders and the state government."