Bengaluru’s waterbodies have witnessed a substantial increase in annual fish yield over the past two years, reaching an impressive 9,360 tonnes in 2021-22 compared to the previous range of 5,800-6,000 tonnes. Despite facing challenges such as fishkill incidents and opposition from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) regarding commercial fishing, the fisheries department reports indicate a positive trend.
Data from the fisheries department reveals that Bengaluru Urban district’s over 160 waterbodies contributed to the surge in fish production. In the fiscal year 2020-21, the annual yield stood at 6,061 tonnes, which escalated to 9,360 tonnes in 2021-22. Although there was a slight dip to 9,126 tonnes in 2022-23, the overall trajectory remains promising.
Chikkanna, the deputy director of the fisheries department for Bengaluru Urban district, shared insights into the commercial fishing licenses, stating that 104 lakes within BBMP limits and the outskirts were renewed this year. This number is a reduction from the previous year’s 166 lakes but may increase in the future depending on water quality improvements and other factors.
Out of the 104 lakes, 57 are leased to Fishermen Cooperative Societies (FCS), while 47 are allocated to individuals through an e-tender process via public auction. The fishing licenses, typically awarded for five years, require renewal by April 30 each year. Chikkanna emphasized that if any bidder fails to renew, the department will initiate a fresh tender process.
Renewal of fishing licenses for the 104 lakes generated revenue amounting to Rs 75 lakh. The 57 lakes leased to FCS contributed Rs 14.4 lakh, while the auctioned 47 lakes earned Rs 60 lakh. Additionally, the department issued 14 licenses to local fishermen residing within a 5km radius of non-auctioned lakes, generating Rs 42,000 in revenue.
This positive trend in fish production, coupled with strategic licensing and revenue generation, highlights the potential for sustainable fisheries management in Bengaluru’s waterbodies.
