Mohammad Farooq Dar, the Director of Fisheries, Jammu and Kashmir, kick-started the introduction of an impressive 5,000 trout fingerlings into the Kishenganga River. This initiative, aimed at generating employment opportunities, particularly in the Gurez sub-division of the district, underscores the government’s commitment to advancing trout culture in both the Kashmir Valley and across Jammu and Kashmir.
During the inauguration of a survey cum inspection hut in Dawar, Gurez, which incurred an estimated cost of 36.52 lakhs, Director Dar signaled a substantial investment in infrastructure. Supported by NHPC grants, the project also saw the introduction of two pairs of American Raceways at the Wanpora trout unit in Gurez, completed at a cost of 16.32 lakhs. This addition is anticipated to double the production capacity of the unit from 4 tons to 8 tons, reflecting a significant stride in promoting sustainable fisheries.
Director Dar, underscoring the government’s unwavering support for trout culture initiatives, emphasized the positive regional impact of such endeavours. Assistant Director Fisheries, Showkat Ahmad, encouraged youth to actively participate in trout fish farming, highlighting the department’s relentless efforts and the availability of government employment-generating schemes.
In the final phase of his district tour in Bandipora, Director Dar engaged with the fisherman community in Zurimanz village, located on the periphery of Wular Lake. He attentively listened to their grievances and assured prompt attention to all genuine demands. Additionally, the director handed over a new boat to the department’s field functionaries at Zuriamnz beat, equipping them for anti-poaching operations to combat any illegal fishing activities by poachers.
