JOIN USWith the district failing to receive expected rains during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period, the production of fish has declined in the region, coming as a huge blow to the people dependent on fishing to eke out a living.
Every year, the Department of Fisheries invites tender for fishing contracts at 92 lakes-mainly Chikkahole, Suvarnavathi and Gundal reservoir. In addition, permission is given for fishing at five areas of River Cauvery including Sattegala bridge, Dasanapura temple, Bharachukki falls, Mekedaatu and near Palar.
With insufficient rains, most of the lakes were devoid of water, forcing the department to give permit for fishing only at 27 lakes in the district.
Hence, fishlings were released in July last, only into four lakes each in Kollegal and Gundlupet taluks, 10 lakes in Yelandur and nine in Chamarajanagar taluk.
The department had a target of seeding 80 lakh fishes but could only release 33.72 lakh fishlings. The breeding period will conclude in March.
Only if the lake had water for a minimum of six months, a good yield could have been expected. Now, with the not so favourable situation, the breeding of Katla, Gende, Rohu, Mrugal and Hullugende species of fishes will definitely come down.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, J M Prashant, Assistant Director of Fisheries department said, the production of fishes would be good only if there was water for at least seven to eight months. The deficit rains have affected those involved in fishing and the prices of fishes too may rise by the time it is harvested, he added.
If the farmers come forward to develop a pond, the department is ready to encourage them with financial assistance, he said.