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Powai lake has now more poachers than crocodiles

FISHY PUSHY | From illegally netting fish in large quantity, the trespassers have now taken to attacking those trying to stop them

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Ali Hussaini points to the spot from where the attack came.
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Powai lake, home to crocodiles and several fish species, is fast becoming the biggest and most profitable hunting grounds for poachers. From netting fishes in large quantities on a daily basis, the poachers have, of late, turned to even attacking those who try to stop them from draining the lake of its wealth.

On March 27, Maharashtra State Angling Association (MSAA) secretary Ali Hussaini was attacked by poachers while he was angling at Powai lake. All he did was point out to them that what they were doing was illegal. He is not the first as already a few other MSAA members, as well as several of their security guards have been assaulted for trying to remove the nets set up by these poachers.

According to sources, these nets are tied to inflated tyre tubes to keep them afloat across the lake for maximum yield. The fresh water fishes found in the lake – catla, rohu, mrigal etc – are much in demand and fetch good rate in the market. Rough estimates put poachers' daily yield at Rs 50,000 to 80,000.

"While angling in the lake, I saw something moving in water and initially thought it was a crocodile. Soon, a figure of a man emerged, and even as he rushed towards the rocky area facing the lake behind the Powai garden, I began shouting at him realising he was one of the poachers," said Hussaini, adding that soon 20 to 25 people emerged from the rocky shore area and began pelting stones on him. "This went on for almost 15 minutes. I managed to survive by ducking next to a cot placed on the boat, that acted as a barricade," he said.

Hussaini said that just two days after the incident, a field secretary of MSAA, Abdul Kalam, was attacked with stones after he tried to remove nets set up by poachers close to Ganesh Ghat. Similarly, in December last year, one of the security guards was left grievously injured after he was targetted with weapons by the poachers.

"We are now worried that one day the poachers could end up killing one of our members and hence have approached the Powai police. We have asked them to take the issue seriously and are planning to meet the Forest officials as well," he said.

MSAA members who visited the Powai police station pointed out that they have been holding the agreement and lease given to them by BMC for carrying out angling or 'sport fishing' at this lake. "Only our members, who follow the rules and regulations of angling, can fish in this lake. Also, netting fishes is illegal as per our rules. The poachers, on the other hand, have been setting nets and 'stealing' the fishes and are even proving a threat to crocodiles. Hence, we have asked the cops to book them for theft, rioting and criminal trespass," shared Kamlesh Sharma, joint secretary of the association.

"A group has met me and discussed the issue. I have shared my number with them and asked them to alert me if such incidents get repeated," said BK Mahadeshwar, senior inspector, Powai police station adding that strict action will be taken against those found poaching in the lake.

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