Splash of hope: Pong reservoir gets 62.5L fish seeds to boost production

In a step to enhance fish production and support local livelihoods, the Fisheries Department has released 62.52 lakh fish seeds of multiple species into the Pong Reservoir, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, in Kangra district. The initiative is expected to directly benefit over 3,400 fishermen who rely on the reservoir for their income.

This year, the department stocked 23.46 lakh catla, 24.06 lakh rohu, five lakh mori and 10 lakh grass carp, with each seed measuring over 70 mm to ensure higher survival and productivity. The final phase of stocking was carried out on Saturday at Sihal near Fatehpur, in the presence of department officials, Fatehpur SDM, and local fishermen. Additional releases were made at Dadasiba and Jambal, designated stocking points along the reservoir.

The activity, which follows the annual fish breeding season (mid-June to mid-August), was executed in nine phases between August 12 and September 27. "The Pong Wetland is a crucial water body in Himachal Pradesh, supporting thousands of fishermen. Stocking fish seed is vital for sustaining both the ecosystem and the local economy," said Vivek Chandel, Director, Fisheries Department, Bilaspur.

Last year, the reservoir produced 3.87 lakh kg of fish, while the target for this fiscal is over 4.06 lakh kg. Spanning 24,000 hectares and stretching 42 km in length and 19 km in width, Pong is one of northern India's largest man-made wetlands and sustains 15 registered fishermen's cooperative societies.