Varanasi: In a major initiative to strengthen aquatic biodiversity and conserve the state fish Chitala, around one lakh Chitala fingerlings will be released into the Ganga at Assi Ghat on October 8 under a river ranching programme.
The Fisheries Department said the initiative aims to increase the population of Chitala, conserve aquatic biodiversity and strengthen the river’s ecological balance. Senior officials from the department are expected to attend the programme.
Deputy Director Fisheries Suresh Kumar said the release of nearly one lakh fingerlings would help replenish the Chitala population in the river. He added that the initiative was also aimed at maintaining ecological balance while supporting the livelihoods of fishermen and fish farmers.
According to the department, fish play an important role in maintaining the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the food chain. Increasing fish populations can therefore support biodiversity while also providing an important source of protein-rich food.
River ranching involves releasing fish seed or fingerlings of selected species into rivers to support their populations and promote aquatic biodiversity. The Fisheries Department said the practice is being used to strengthen the Ganga’s aquatic ecosystem and conserve different fish species.
Special Secretary Fisheries Sunil Kumar Verma is scheduled to attend the programme, while Joint Director Fisheries Anil Kumar or Deputy Director Fisheries (Planning) may also be present.
