Shimla: A complete ban has been imposed on trout fishing for four months in the cold water areas of Himachal Pradesh. The decision of ban is imposed to promote the breeding of trout fish and conserve the natural resource.
During this period, the Fisheries Department has made special arrangements to ensure the safety of trout fish in water. In view of this, a monitoring force has also been deployed to patrol these water areas, and the leaves of departmental employees working in these cold areas have also been canceled.
According to the Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Act 2020, this ban on trout fishing applies to about 600 km of major rivers and their tributaries across the state, including the Pabbar River in Shimla district, Beas, Sarvari, Parvati, Gadsa and Sainj rivers in Kullu district, Uhal River in Mandi and Kangra districts and Bhandal River in Chamba district.
It is worth noting that last year eight trout farms of the department produced 1.5576 million trout seeds, in addition, private-sector trout farmers produced 1,388.50 metric tonnes of trout fish, which has a market value of Rs 76.36 crore.
At present, through a total of 1,442 raceways, many trout farmers are earning livelihood for their families, thereby contributing to the economy of the state. Giving this information, Vivek Chandel, Director, Directorate of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh said that this ban is necessary for conservation during the natural breeding period of trout fish, allowing natural seed collection in the reservoirs.
At the same time, this four-month ban from 1 November 2024 to 28 February 2025 will ensure long-term conservation of fishery resources of Himachal Pradesh and will promote trout fish production in the state.