Fishermen in Himachal Pradesh resumed their activity as the state lifted the ban on fishing, a spokesman of the Department of Fisheries said on Sunday.
Over 20,000 people are engaged in fishing in the reservoirs, rivers, and streams of Himachal Pradesh and their tributaries. Currently, over 6,000 fishermen are engaged in fishing activities in the five reservoirs of the state, namely Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Chamera, Koldam, and Ranjit Sagar, with an area of 43,785 hectares.
A total of 31.8677 metric tonnes of fish were produced from Himachal Pradesh's reservoirs during the annual two-month fishing ban, despite 421 cases of illegal fishing being reported. The ban, imposed by the state Fisheries Department from June 16 to August 15, was to protect fish species during their natural reproduction period.
The reservoirs yielded a significant catch, with Gobind Sagar producing 15.2183 metric tonnes, Pong reservoir 16.4014 metric tonnes, Kol Dam 0.066 metric tonnes, and Chamera and Ranjit Sagar 0.182 metric tonnes.
The illegal fishing cases highlight the challenges faced by authorities in enforcing the ban, despite its success in boosting fish production.
The annual ban has been instrumental in conserving fish species and promoting sustainable fishing practices in the state.
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