Large-Scale Fishing Activities Resume in Himachal Pradesh Rivers

Fishermen have resumed their routine activities in Himachal Pradesh's rivers after a seasonal ban was lifted. Over 20,000 individuals are involved in fishing, mainly in five reservoirs. The ban lasted from June 16 to August 15, allowing for natural fish reproduction, and led to a significant fish yield in the state's water bodies.

Fishermen resumed their routine activities on a large scale in Himachal Pradesh's rivers starting Friday, following the lifting of a fishing ban, according to a spokesperson from the Department of Fisheries.

Over 20,000 people are currently engaged in fishing across the state's reservoirs, rivers, and streams, with more than 6,000 fishermen active in five major reservoirs—Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Chamera, Koldam, and Ranjit Sagar—covering an area of 43,785 hectares.

The state Fisheries Department annually imposes a two-month ban on fishing to coincide with the natural reproductive period of important fish species. This year, the ban was in place from June 16 to August 15, during which 421 cases of illegal fishing were reported. The ban resulted in the production of 31.8677 metric tonnes of fish, including significant yields from the Gobind Sagar and Pong reservoirs.