Himachal gets record fish price from Pong reservoir

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 9

The government is providing livelihood to almost 2,800 fishermen in the vicinity of the Pong Dam reservoir in Kangra district. The fishermen are getting Rs 266 per kg in 2019-20, which was the highest among large reservoirs, claim an official spokesperson here.

According to an official release, the Pong reservoir with a catchment area of 12,561 sq km has emerged as a leading fishing reservoir in the state. The total catch during the first year of fishing operation was 98 tonnes and increased progressively attaining a peak of 287.5 tonnes during 2018-19, the release added.

The government gave fishing rights to youths of displaced families through co-operative societies in 1975 to ensure the dignified livelihood.

There are 15 fishermen cooperative societies and these have provided memberships to around 3,902 fishermen and 2,800 licence holder fishermen are functioning in the reservoir.

The activities provide indirect job to over 1,000 families engaged in helping fishermen, carrying, transportation, packing of fish, weaving and mending of gears, marketing, etc.

The fishing activities in Kol Dam, Gobind Sagar, Chamera, Ranjit Sagar and Pong Dam provide full-time job to over 6,000 fishermen families, uprooted due to completion of these river valley projects.

Department charges 15 per cent royalty on the total sale proceeds of fish whereas cooperative societies, after deducting 5-7 per cent commission, make the payment to the fishermen on weekly to 10 days, basis regularly.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.