Boh valley of Shahpur set to become Himachal’s first trout hub

The picturesque Boh valley in the Dharkandi region of Kangra district, around 25 km from Shahpur, has long mesmerised visitors with its pristine waterfalls, snow-laden peaks and dense forests. Now, this natural gem of Himachal Pradesh is set to script a new chapter of development, sustainability and self-reliance — the state’s first under-construction trout hub, as announce by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is nearing completion.

Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania said that he had prioritized this project and urged the Chief Minister to harness the valley’s potential for trout farming. The Chief Minister had not only agreed to the proposal but also included it in his maiden Budget. With an approved budget of Rs 3.03 crore, the trout hub was now fast nearing completion and the hatchery in Boh stands ready to begin operations, he added.

The project is expected to revolutionize livelihood opportunities in the region. By creating avenues for self-employment, it aims to empower the youth and local families near their homes. Pathania also encouraged residents to construct raceways and adopt this eco-friendly income source. To support marketing, five motorcycles equipped with ice boxes had already been distributed, and another would be provided soon. There are plans to set up two fish kiosks in Shahpur and Dharamsala to make trout easily accessible to consumers.

One inspiring example of grass-roots entrepreneurship is the Boh Valley Fish Farm and Hatchery, established by local resident and former up-pradhan Pappu Ram along with his wife Neelam Devi. Built at a cost of Rs 38 lakh, including Rs 15 lakh government subsidy, their hatchery is stocked with trout seeds. Pappu Ram expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the MLA and urged young people to pursue self-employment through government schemes rather than waiting for traditional jobs.

According to Rakesh Kumar, Assistant Director of the Fisheries Department, Palampur, trout farming has significant potential in the Dharkandi valley. Already, 15 to 20 residents have constructed ponds and begun trout production. The new hatchery is importing superior trout seeds from Denmark and hence quality stock will now be available locally. Of the Rs 3.03-crore project cost, the work to the tune of Rs 2.11 crore, including 34 raceways, six motorcycles with ice boxes and two kiosks, has been approved, with steady progress under the Trout Cluster initiative.