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Rainbow trout fish
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Hines Robert W
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Himachal
is the first state in the country to develop fisheries in high altitude lakes
and streams. The snow trout tried on experimental basis in the snow fed streams
has shown excellent growth.
The
first account of locating fish in high mountain ranges was made by Day in 1878
AD, followed by Hamilton in 1922 AD. The third Netherland Karakoram and Yale
Norht Indian expedition had also highlighted the prospectus of developing fish
cultures in Himachal.
The
Spiti River which has been found suitable for promoting fisheries, originates
in the glaciers located in high hills of the district. During its 130 Km long
course, which passes through some difficult terrain is joined by number of
tributaries. The Pin River is one of the most important tributary of Spiti River.
The
Spiti River has a unique feature. Its depth varies depending on seasons. During
winters when the river is frozen, the depth is hardly half a meter and the
discharge is merely a few hundred cusecs.
Apart
from number of smaller standing water bodies, there are two small lakes in
Lahaul sub- division. These lakes are known as Suraj Taal and Chander Taal.
The
Chander Taal is located between a long ridge and the main Kunzaam Range with an
outlet into the main Chander River. This lake is about 6 Km from the Kunzam
Pass.
The
Suraj Taal from which the Bhaga River originates is situated just below the
Bara- Lacha Pass. These lakes get frozen in winters, but in summer after the
melting of the snow, their blue waters shimmer in the sunlight and provide a
majestic sight. Both these lakes situated at a height of 4377 meters and 4697
meters respectively have a rich aquatic life.
The
high altitude rivers and streams such as Spiti, Satluj and Baspa Rivers provide
excellent scope for the development of cold water fish species.
Trout,
a cold water fish has been introduced in Baspa River in the Sangla valley of
Kinnaur district. The fill fledged hatcheries have been developed in this area
and they are producing more than 200, 000 ova annually.
Two
culturable species of trout including the rainbow and blue trout are also
available in these hatcheries. According to climatic conditions the brown trout
is the best suited fish for the Baspa River. To keep the Baspa River well
stocked with trout, the fry raised at the farm are released in the spring
waters of the adjoining areas which ultimately join the Baspa River.
Besides
development and expansion at Sangla trout farm, some other schemes have also
been taken up under the component plan for the development of sport fisheries in
Kinnaur district.
The
Desert Development Project at Pooh has also initiated the steps to develop the fisheries
in that area. The Nake lake at an altitude of 14000 feet has been stocked with
mirror carp fingerings. Satluj, the main river flowing through Kinnaur is mot favorable
for trout fisheries due to the heavy silt carried by the River from May to
August every year.
In
Spiti valley the trout fry were released in the waters of Rangrik, Lara and
Shango springs. The stocked specimen has not survived in the cold waters but is
showing excellent growth.
In
Lahaul sub-division the Sisu nullah, Patsu lake, Gemur lake and Swamp lake have
also been identified for the conservation of brown trout.
A
study conducted by the state fisheries department revealed that there are about
35 small and medium water bodies with a cumulative area of about 345 hectares,
located in the altitudinal range of 4000 to 5300 meters. Out of these 35 lakes
are in Lahaul & Spiti district.
The
major factor which go in favor of cultivating this fish species in high altitude
lakes are that they grow quickly, attain marketable size within a year and can
resist cold water diseases.
The
higher reaches of Lahaul- Spiti valley present fairly good conditions for the
introduction of several good species of the trout and the several other endemic
fishes. The general poverty of the inhabitants justifies development of fisheries
on the grounds of both economic and logistics. Under the tribal sub-plan a
subsidy is provided to the beneficiaries for undertaking fish culture in ponds.
For
the development of fisheries in the high altitude cold waters, it is essential
to conduct a scientific study of the potential quality and the usefulness of
the water for promoting fisheries in the state.
So
far the successful transplantation of mirror carp and snow trout in high
altitude water sources has raised hopes of exploiting these areas for fisheries purpose.
An ambitious plan has been drawn up for introducing other cold water species
viz. silver carp and mirror carp in high altitude streams and lakes in the
coming years. Adequate staff has been posted at Keylong, Kaza, Sangla and
Garola to look after the fisheries development programme in the region.
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