Fish Culture Boom in Himachal Pradesh

Rainbow trout fish
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Hines Robert W 
The tribal districts of Lahaul & Spiti and Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh have been blessed with abundant natural resources. The high altitude regions have several rivers, lakes and streams which are ideal for the development of fisheries.

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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