Page 61 - 15JAN2020E-1

CONSERVATION

family and especially two species viz. Tor
pitutora has been reported in the state. It
is migratory in nature and travels long
distance during monsoon upstream
in search of ecologically suited place
for breeding containing high dissolved
oxygen in the water. Despite declared as
endangered species, it is found abun-
dantly in the state, which contributes
about 10-15 per cent of total catch in the
state reservoirs.
Main focus of artificial breeding of
Mahseer is its conservation and ranch-
ing of the river system with Mahseer
seed to promote eco-tourism. There
are many natural Mahseer sanctuar-
ies called Machhial in the state water
where it is conserved spiritually by the
people and department of fisheries also

The endemic humpbacked
Mahseer is now on the
brink of extinction having
been replaced by non-
native relatives (blue-
finned Mahseer) that have
been artificially bred and
estimated cost of 296.97 lakh to develop At present, 10,893 families are in- introduced to the river
methods of breeding under safe condi- volved in captive fisheries in the state out in the name of species
tions in hatcheries. It will go a long way in of which 5883 families are involved in
strengthening the fish farm infrastruc- riverine while 5010 families are involved conservation
ture in the state. Himachal Pradesh has in fish catches in reservoirs area. The
become a stronghold of the Mahseer fish state recorded 20900, 28700 and 41450
production in the country which was fast Mahseer fish eggs production in the year conserve the fish by applying fisheries
approaching genetic extinction world- 2017-18 year 2018-19 and year 2019-20 Act and Rules strongly. As many as six
wide. An estimated 10-12,000 record (till present) respectively. mobile vans are being used in mobile fish
highest hatching are expected in an year Animal husbandry and Fisheries Min- markets to market fishes and insulated
out of 41,450 eggs produced in this year ister Virender Kanwar said that the state boxes have also been provided to reser-
so far. Around 19,800 eggs, 20900 eggs government is taking various effective voir fishermen. The state’s water bodies
and 28700 eggs of Golden Mahseer were steps like release of 15 percent of water are home to 85 fish species, including
produced in the state during the year discharge from hydroelectricity power Rohu, Catla and Mrigal and Trout, both
2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively. during lean season, conservation of fish brown and rainbow. Total 492.33 MT fish
The state has recorded highest 45.311 MT through regular patrolling and imple- has been marketed outside state during
Mahseer catches in the year 2018-2019 mentation of close season to promote last financial year. Bottom line: Loss of
which is one of the finest sport-fish and the fish production in the state. He said species is not gradual. It's happening fast.
a source of recreation to innumerable the Mahseer fish is present in around Steps are needed to conserve biodiversi-
sportsmen both Indian and foreigner. 500 km area of the hill state out of total ty. Everything that lives is important. The
The state recorded Mahseer production 3000 km rivers out of which 2400 km diversity of life is key to survival and ar-
from Gobind Sagar (16.182 MT), Koldam constitute general water. eas of the world that have different kinds
(0.275 MT), Pong Dam (28.136 MT) and Mahseer is one of the best sports fish, of life are the healthiest.
Ranjeet Sagar (0.718 MT) respectively in which attracts the anglers from differ-
the year 2018-19 respectively. ent parts of the world. It belongs to Tor LETTERS@TEHELKA.COM

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