Himachal Pradesh Fishing Ban Lifted: Fishermen Celebrate Record Catches
Resumption of Fishing in Himachal Pradesh
Munish Sood
Mandi
Following a two-month prohibition on fishing, activities resumed in the rivers and reservoirs of Himachal Pradesh on August 16. Local fishing cooperatives rejoiced as they reported a significant catch of 33.06 metric tonnes on the opening day, surpassing last year's total of 31.85 MT, as stated by Fisheries Director-cum-Warden Vivek Chandel.
Top Reservoirs Yield Impressive Catches
The leading reservoirs contributed to the impressive haul:
- Pong Dam led with 18,500 kg
- Gobind Sagar followed closely with 12,924 kg
- Chamera & Ranjit Sagar added 1,543.5 kg
- Kol Dam contributed 93 kg
Noteworthy Individual Catches
Several fishermen made remarkable catches on this day:
- Shravan Kumar from Khatiar Society caught a 26.3 kg catla at Pong Dam
- Sarwan Kumar of Jabloo Cooperative netted a 25 kg bighead carp in Gobind Sagar
- Vijay Kumar from Saloa Cooperative reeled in a 15 kg silver carp
- Om Prakash of Sandhara Cooperative caught a 25 kg silver carp from Ranjeet Sagar
Chandel remarked, “These catches indicate a positive trend in stock regeneration.”
Importance of the Fishing Ban
Each year, fishing is prohibited from June 16 to August 15 to facilitate the natural breeding of key species. Chandel emphasized, “This ban is crucial for maintaining fish populations and supporting the livelihoods of many.”
To enforce this ban, the department established over 40 monitoring camps and flying squads across Bilaspur, Kangra, and Chamba.
- 670 cases of illegal fishing were reported, an increase from 442 last year
- ₹6.15 lakh in fines were collected, more than double the previous year’s total
Chandel clarified, “The increase in cases reflects enhanced monitoring rather than a rise in violations.”
Fishing as a Vital Livelihood
Fishing is a crucial source of income for over 12,000 families in Himachal Pradesh:
- 5,900 fishermen work in reservoirs
- 6,000 additional fishermen operate across 2,400 km of rivers and streams
Chandel noted, “For these families, the reopening signifies survival and dignity.”
Silver carp are prevalent in Gobind Sagar, Kol Dam, and Chamera, while catfish are abundant in Pong Dam. Chandel concluded, “These patterns indicate a healthy ecosystem. Our goal is to enhance yields while safeguarding fish stocks. Fishermen are not merely beneficiaries; they are partners in conservation.”