40,000 brown trout fingerlings stocked in Uhl river

Mandi, September 9: The Fisheries Department, Mandi, stocked 40,000 brown trout fingerlings in the Uhl river in the Barot area as part of efforts to conserve and restore the trout fish population.

An awareness camp on trout conservation and sustainable fisheries management was also organised for local residents, trout farmers and anglers. Deputy Commissioner Mandi Apoorv Devgan, who is also chairman of the River Monitoring Committee, attended the programme and stressed the importance of trout conservation for livelihoods, aquatic biodiversity, environmental protection and the local economy.

Assistant Director Fisheries Neetu Singh said trout measuring less than 40 cm cannot be caught and that fishing remains completely prohibited during the four-month closed season from November to February. She said only rod-and-line equipment is permitted for trout fishing and the daily fishing licence fee is Rs 300.

She said the stocking was being carried out in compliance with directions of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in CWPIL No. 1/2025. The initiative aims to restore the trout resources of the Uhl river following damage caused to fish stocks after silt was released into the river from the Barot reservoir of the Shanan Power Project in 2024. The project has provided Rs 12 lakh to the Fisheries Department for stocking and restoration work planned over the next few years.

Fisheries Officer Barot Vimal Guleria briefed participants on the history, life cycle and nutritional and health benefits of trout. SDM Padhar Surjeet Singh, fisheries officials, local residents, trout farmers, anglers and women’s groups also attended the awareness camp.

Samagra Sikhsha