Himachal hydel projects pose threat to trout fish farms

Around 40,000 fishermen harvesting trout fish in Himachal Pradesh face a threat to their livelihood with the State Government giving a green signal for the construction of several hydel projects.

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), Sept 29 : Around 40,000 fishermen harvesting trout fish in Himachal Pradesh face a threat to their livelihood with the State Government giving a green signal for the construction of several hydel projects.

Himachal Pradesh is fast emerging as a major power-producing State in the country.

While these projects usher development and economic prosperity in the State, the trout fish farmers near the riverbeds pay a heavy price.

"The fish farms are there in small water bodies. Now, the hydel projects being set up are a big threat to the fish farms. Fishes use water bodies as breeding and feeding grounds. Because of the project, these water rivulets will no longer exist and thus adversely affect the population of the fishes," said R K Korla, Deputy Director, Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh Government.

The Indo-Norway Trout Fish Farm at Patlikuhl is one such farm in danger of losing out to a hydel project.

This farm was set up with the help of the Norwegian Government, with fish eggs being brought from Norway.

The trout produced here is just as famous as the Kullu trout. It is supplied to other states as well and is one of the major revenue generators for the State.

The Indo-Norway Trout Farming Project started production in 1990 and earns revenue of around Rs 4.7 million annually.

With the setting up of a hydel project in the stream where the fish for the farm are bred, the project deal will stand nullified and a dozen farmers will lose their means of livelihood.

Amarjeet, a fish farmer, said the Government wants to bring up hydel project in place of four-five villages and four fish farms.

"We have invested Rs 12-15 lakhs (Rs 1.2-1.5 million) in fish farms and each farm employees around 10-12 people. Now, the government wants to take away the livelihood of so many people," said Amarjeet.

The State Government has approved various hydroelectricity power projects to be built on the streams, where the trout fish farms exist, after a 'No Objection Certificate' was obtained on August 30.

ANI