Efforts on to produce trout in Chandertal, Sissu lakes

Locals hope this would promote angling tourism in Lahaul-Spiti

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Fish production looks feasible

“We are planning to conduct a thorough study in this region about the possibility of trout fish production in the near future. However, in preliminary findings it was observed that possibility is there. The department was putting fingerlings in different water streams and lakes across the state to promote aquaculture.” Director, Fisheries Department.

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, November 23

To promote angling tourism in tribal district Lahaul and Spiti, the Fisheries Department is making efforts to produce trout fish in Chandertal Lake and Sissu Lake in the district.

According to the Deputy Director of Fishery department at Kullu, “In the first attempt during Covid period last year, the department had put around 2,500 fingerlings (fish seed) in Chandertal and Sissu lakes to produce trout fish. This year, around 3,000 fingerlings were put in these lakes in the month of September.”

These were experimental attempts on the part of the Fisheries Department to find out the possibility of trout fish production in this region, where temperature remains below freezing point. The Deputy Director found that the fingerlings are growing successfully in these lakes, indicating that the production of trout fish is possible in cold desert Lahaul and Spiti.

Talking to The Tribune, Director Fisheries Department Satpal Mehta said, “We are planning to conduct a thorough study in this region about the possibility of trout fish production in the near future. However, in preliminary findings it has been observed that possibility is there. The department was putting fingerlings in different water streams and lakes across the state to promote aquaculture.”

The residents of Lahaul and Spiti are delighted with the success of the Fisheries Department, who are hopeful that it would help promote angling tourism in this region.

Nestled in the majestic Himalayan mountains, the scenic Chandertal Lake is situated in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 14,100 ft, the lake, also known as Lake of the Moon, is favourite among trekkers and campers. This crescent shaped water body has no visible source and gets water from underground.

After the opening of the Atal tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway, the tourist influx to Sissu and Chandertal lake area in Lahaul and Spiti has been increasing steadily.