3000 fingerlings of indigenous varieties of fishes released in Sukhna Lake
KI Singh/ royalpatiala.in/ Chandigarh
The officials of the Fisheries Department released 3000 fingerlings of indigenous varieties of fishes i.e. Mrigal, Rohu, Catla and Grass Crap in Sukhna Lake, today to maintain ecological balance of the Lake. Ajay Singla, Secretary Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, U.T. Chandigarh graced the occasion with his presence.
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh, Joint Director Animal Husbandry & Fisheries U.T. Chandigarh stated that the stocking of fish seed in the Sukhna Lake has become necessary for the purpose of maintaining balance in aquatic life. It also make provision of feed for the migratory birds before their arrival on the onset of winters as approx 25% of migratory birds are carnivorous in nature, so the fish seed of the indigenous varieties has been released as it consist of high nutritive value.
The fish seed has been released on the various sites of Sukhna Lake. The department also promotes angling activity at Sukhna Lake, where 20 Anglers are allowed to undertake angling at Regulatory end of the Lake.
Sukhna Lake is the main habitat of aquatic life in Chandigarh. It is also the source of attraction of migratory birds in the onset of winters from far off countries. The protection of aquatic life and to maintain ecological balance of the Lake is the top priority of the Fisheries Department, U.T. Chandigarh.
A Govt Fish Seed Farm on the regulator extreme end of the Lake is producing quality fish seed for keeping its stock in Sukhna Lake for the breeding of the fishes in the Lake.
The fishes were released with due consultation of fishery expert, Zoology Department, Punjab University, Chandigarh. The fisheries expert Prof. Y.S. Rawal advice that exotic carp varieties of fishes already exist in Sukhna Lake, the department should go for release of majority of indigenous varieties like Mrigal, Rohu and Katla. Mrigal carp is another popular food fish and an important aquaculture. This time Grass Carp variety has also been released in attempt to reduce unnecessary weed growth in the Lake. Grass Carp is a fish of large, turbid rivers and associated floodpain lakes, with a wide degree of temperature tolerance. Grass carp will enter reproductive condition and spawn at temperatures of 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F).
