Government Tightens Control on Illegal Fish Imports, Directs Submission of On-Site Report within Three Days

The government has issued strict directives to relevant authorities regarding the illegal import, sale, and distribution of Pangas fish from India. The Department of Livestock Services has identified points of illegal fish entry in Morang, Sunsari, and Jhapa districts and has shown active measures to prevent such activities. The department has instructed local administration, police, and armed police to conduct border monitoring and submit an accurate report on the situation within three days.

April 16, Kathmandu – The government has ordered strict action against the illegal import and distribution of Pangas (Pangasius) and other fish species illegally brought from India. The Department of Livestock Services under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has communicated with concerned agencies to control such illicit trade along the border areas.

Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, Geeta Chaudhary, had previously directed all seven provinces and subordinate agencies to maintain the protection of Nepali agricultural products and ensure food hygiene. In line with this directive, the department has intensified efforts to prevent fish imports from India that occur without approval or against standards. This move follows complaints from local fish farmers and entrepreneurs in Morang, Sunsari, and Jhapa that Nepali fish products are losing market share due to Indian fish and that illegal imports are increasing.

According to the department, significant volumes of fish are being illegally transported through areas such as Amduba Farm and Sikti border in Sunsari, Dumaria, Dhanpalthan, Mills area, and Hulash Metal area in Morang, as well as Baluwagadhi and Kankadbhitta border crossings in Jhapa. Information received by the department indicates that such illegally imported fish are openly sold in the markets of major cities including Biratnagar, Itahari, Inaruwa, and Dharan. To halt these illegal imports, the department has issued special instructions to the Animal Quarantine Offices in Kankadbhitta and Biratnagar. It has also mandated coordination with local administration, Nepal Police, and Armed Police to conduct on-site monitoring at the border and submit a factual report to the department within three days.