Empty lakes, a blow to inland fisheries

Only 34 lakes in the district have sufficient water for raising fish, due to deficient rains, which has become a major setback for inland fisheries.

In all, there are 95 lakes in the district — Kollegal-26, Yalandur-18, Chamarajanagar-32 and Gundlupet-19.

The Fisheries department had set a goal to distribute 65 lakh fish fry for raising. Fish fry are being supplied from Gundal and Kabini centres at H D Kote. Fish fry measuring 30 mm are let into ponds and lakes which weigh approximately one kilo after six months, say officials.

Lakes should have water for a minimum period of six months for the growth of varieties like Katla, Raohu, Mrigal and Common Karp raised in the region.

Some lakes have water throughout the year, like Suvarnavathy, Belvatha, Chikkahole, Gundal, Uduthore and Hoogyam. Hebbal, Akkalapura, Baragi, Berambadi and Yariyuru lakes have enough water for raising fish.

There is a possibility to fill 34 lakes through Kabini canals. Although meetings were convened to release water into the canals as soon as the Kabini dam reached the maximum level, and directions were issued to release 1,500 cusecs of water to fill lakes, no action has been taken yet.

If all lakes are filled and the levels are maintained throughout the year, it would be a boon to fishermen, says Prakash, a farmer.

Assistant Director for Fisheries B H Babasab said, fishes are being raised in 34 lakes as the others are not fit for growing, due to insufficient water.