In a significant move to enhance fish productivity in Pong Reservoir, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar in the lower Kangra hills, the state Fisheries Department has initiated the release of 65 lakh fish seeds by the end of this month. The reservoir will be stocked with fish seeds of Katla, Mori, and Grass Carp species, each measuring over 70 mm in size.
The primary objective of this initiative is to support the local fishing community by increasing fish stocks, thereby improving their livelihood. As part of its annual practice, the Fisheries Department enforces a ban on fishing in all state reservoirs and water bodies from June 15 to August 15 to allow for fish breeding.
This year, the department plans to release 30 lakh Katla seeds, 20 lakh Rohu seeds, 5 lakh Mori seeds, and 10 lakh Grass Carp seeds into the reservoir. The process is being carried out at a designated spot on the banks of the reservoir under the supervision of department officials, with participation from local fisheries cooperative societies and elected representatives of gram panchayats.
The department had set a fish production target of 340 tonnes for the Pong reservoir by March last year. In comparison, 330 tonnes were produced by March of the current year.
Pong Reservoir, a man-made water body covering 24,000 hectares, is home to around 3,338 fishermen from 15 registered cooperative societies. These fishermen rely on the reservoir for their livelihoods, and during the off-season, they receive a financial relief of Rs 4,500 for two months. Additionally, they benefit from free accidental insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh, along with subsidised fishing nets and boats.
The local Fisheries Societies Association has been advocating for the reinstatement of the Centre-sponsored Neel Kranti Awas Yojana, which previously provided housing assistance to poor fishermen. However, the scheme was discontinued by the central government.