Sixteen villages under Doyang Hydro-electric Project (DHEP) agreed in principal to ban use of explosives and poisonous substances for fishing at Doyang Reservoir and its surrounding areas. They arrived at this decision at a Seminar & Sensitization on Harmful Use of Explosives for Fishing held on October 27 at NEEPCO recreation hall, organized by the District Administration, Wokha. A press release by IA, Wokha, Zuben stated that the resolution was adopted by the Village Council Chairmen and representatives of the affected villages — Ashaa, Pangti, Sungro, Sunglup, Yonchucho, Yikhum, Englan, Riphyim Old and New, Thillong, Changsu Old and New, Ekhyoyan, Ronren, Meshangphen and Aree Old including the LOU, Fishermen Union, DAWN and various departments. In his keynote address, Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon said that the various authorities will strictly follow the laid down regulations to curb and control any illegal activities so that indigenous fish species and fish productivity may be preserved. Stating that concrete solutions could only be brought about if the community cooperates and supports the authorities in the implementation of rules, the DC urged all stakeholders to work together to reach certain resolutions to eradicate harmful practices like use of explosives and chemicals for fishing. According to Dr. Samoon, further deliberation will be held to discuss how this will affect villages, the community of fisherman and various departments, and where an action plan will be formulated for the benefit of the community. Resource person, divisional forest officer, Wokha, Zuthunglo Patton, speaking on the use of explosives for fishing and its impact on the environment, laid stress on the fact that destructive fishing practices destroy fish habitats and they affect the entire aquatic ecosystem. It also reduces fish stock which consequently causes loss of income for fishermen, loss of biodiversity, decrease in aesthetic value, loss of tourism opportunities, injury/loss of lives and above all, these practices detrimentally affect longevity of the dam. District fishery officer, Sentinaro, who spoke on the topic Destructive Fishing Practices’ stated that various comprehensive studies over the years showed that the ichthyofauna (fish of a particular region) of the Doyang River system is dwindling due to over exploitation and lack of conservational measures. She pointed out that use of illegal fishing techniques is one of the main reasons for the depletion of fish germplasm resources of the adjoining rivers and the reservoir. She also added that explosives destroy the underlying habitat that supports these fish. The re-colonization or recovery time of these damaged habitats is very slow and complete recovery may take several decades. OC, Sungro, Yanbemo Shitio, spoke on the various laws under the Explosives/Substances Act of 1908 and informed the gathering about the consequences and punishments imposed on defaulters. District Anglers Wokha Nagaland (DAWN), president also shared his experiences and the various initiatives already being taken up by DAWN. A representative of Doyang Fisherman Union, and also PD, DRDA Wokha, Thungdeno Mozhui also spoke during the function. The seminar was chaired by SDO (C) Sanis, Ruopfukuotuo Noudi; a welcome address was proposed by HOP, NEEPCO, Doyang, P.B. Das. The program ended with a vote of thanks by SDO (C), Chonpenthung Ezung.