Srinagar, Nov 5: The Fisheries Department has sought the removal of a concrete barrier across Nallah Sukhnag at Makhama, warning that it is disrupting fish migration and breeding and threatening the livelihoods of 150 registered fishermen families.
In a letter dated November 5 to the Executive Engineer, Public Works (R&B) Division, Beerwah, Assistant Director Fisheries, Budgam, said the structure had been constructed without consulting the department or providing fish passes or ladders.
“The raised concrete structure has proved disastrous for overall ecology and environment of the Nallah, particularly from fisheries point of view,” the letter stated.
The department said the barrier was obstructing the upstream movement of fish, particularly during periods of low water flow, preventing migratory species from reaching their breeding grounds.
It also reported changes in fish biodiversity in the upstream stretch, while local fishermen had complained of a sharp decline in their catch since the structure was built.
The department said its employees and local fishermen had opposed the construction during its execution, warning of its long-term impact on the water body.
It had first taken up the matter with the R&B division through a letter dated April 3, 2025.
The latest communication follows protests by local fishermen and the Jammu and Kashmir Climate Action Group (JKCAG), led by its chairman Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, who visited the site on November 3 and demanded restoration of fish movement. Bhat had warned of approaching the National Green Tribunal (NGT) if the authorities failed to act.
“150 local fishermen families registered with the department are solely dependent on the water body,” the latest communication said, adding that they earned their livelihood through regulated fishing activities.
Seeking immediate intervention, the Assistant Director asked the R&B department to either remove the barrier or install fish passes or ladders to allow unhindered movement of fish.
The department said the measures were necessary to restore fish movement and breeding in the stream and protect the livelihoods of the dependent families.
Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to the Budgam Deputy Commissioner, Director Fisheries J&K, Joint Director Fisheries (South Kashmir), Executive Engineer, Irrigation Flood Spill Channel Division, Narbal, and Incharge Fisheries Circle Beerwah.
