Sopore, Jun 13: The Fisheries Department Baramulla Friday carried out a large-scale fish seed stocking drive across Asia’s largest freshwater lake Wular Lake and adjoining water bodies in different areas like Sopore, Pattan, Rafiabad, Watlab, Jahama, Ningli, and other important points of the district.
According to reports, over five lakh seeds of Carp and Schizothorax varieties were released under the supervision of Assistant Director Fisheries Baramulla, Showkat Ahmad, in the presence of fieldwork teams from Sopore and other areas.
Speaking to the media, Assistant Director Showkat Ahmad said the stocking was done as part of the departmentís annual replenishment drive to support aquatic biodiversity and enhance livelihood opportunities for thousands of local fishermen.
ìThis annual exercise involves the release of at least 5 lakh fish seed in Wular and adjoining water bodies including stretches of River Jhelum. Our objective is to maintain the ecological balance and boost fish production for the benefit of fishermen who are entirely dependent on Wular,î he said.
Ahmad said that Wular Lake alone is home to over 20 fish varieties, including Trout and Carp, which are important for both ecological and economic reasons.
ìMore than 10,000 families are either directly or indirectly dependent on Wular for their livelihood,î he said.
Ahmad highlighted that 100 private fishery units have already been set up under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) to support young entrepreneurs in fish farming.
ìAwareness drives are regularly conducted and youth are also being sent on exposure visits to improve their understanding of modern fishery techniques,î he said.
The local fishermen community expressed their satisfaction and gratitude to the Fisheries Department.
ìAs this department is very vital for us. We are happy they came here, involved us, and showed concern for our future. We hope the coming season brings prosperity for the entire fisherman community,î they said.
