Tlabung, April 22: The Fisheries Department, Government of Mizoram, in collaboration with the Young Mizo Association (YMA) Tlabung Branch and the No-Fishing Zone Sub-Committee, is set to organise a three-day Community Fish Harvesting Event (Sangha Man Runpui) at Khawthlang Tuipui from April 28 to 30, 2026.
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| Participants display their catch during the Community Fish Harvesting Event at Khawthlang Tuipui, Tlabung in 2022, organised by the Fisheries Department Mizoram and Young Mizo Association. |
A preparatory meeting to discuss arrangements for the event was recently held and chaired by Pi Zonunthari, Joint Secretary of the Fisheries Department. Officials, community representatives, and organisers reviewed plans for the programme, which is expected to attract fishing enthusiasts and participants from different parts of Mizoram.
According to the schedule, the event will be conducted over three days, with each day dedicated to a specific category of fishing activity. On the opening day, participants will be allowed to fish using rods, providing an opportunity for recreational anglers and members of the public to take part. The second day will be reserved for experienced anglers who will be permitted to use fishing nets under regulated conditions. The final day of the programme will be set aside exclusively for local residents, enabling the surrounding community to participate in the harvesting activity.
Registration for the event has already commenced. Organisers have fixed the registration fee at ₹100 per fishing rod, and participants will be allowed to register multiple rods if they wish. However, the use of fishing nets will be restricted to experienced individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, rather than being opened to the general public.
To encourage participation and add excitement to the event, several awards will be presented in different categories. These include prizes for the largest fish caught, highest number of fish caught, best woman angler, youngest participant, and oldest participant. Organisers believe these awards will help promote broader participation and make the event more engaging for people of all ages.
Officials explained that such community harvesting programmes are permitted under the provisions of the Fisheries Act and can only be conducted once every three years in designated protected water bodies and no-fishing zones. These special events are carefully regulated to balance community participation with conservation objectives.
A similar fish harvesting programme was last organised in Tlabung in 2022, attracting considerable public interest. Unlike the previous edition, which was more localized, this year’s event will be conducted as an open programme, allowing participants from across Mizoram to take part.
The Fisheries Department emphasized that conservation remains a key priority during the harvesting exercise. As part of sustainability measures, fish weighing less than 2 kilograms and caught using nets must be released back into the river to ensure healthy fish populations and maintain ecological balance. Officials stated that these measures are intended to support long-term fisheries management while allowing communities to benefit from regulated harvesting activities.
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Arrangements have also been made for freshly caught fish to be sold at the venue, providing an opportunity for participants and visitors to purchase fish directly during the event. Organisers expect the programme to contribute to local economic activity while promoting awareness about sustainable fisheries practices.
Officials noted that the event serves multiple purposes, including community engagement, conservation awareness, responsible utilisation of aquatic resources, and the promotion of traditional fishing culture. They expressed hope that the programme will strengthen cooperation between government agencies, community organisations, and local residents in protecting and managing fisheries resources.
With preparations underway and registrations already open, organisers are expecting strong participation in what is anticipated to be one of the largest community-based fish harvesting events in the region.
