Trout is a superior species of fish that was developed in some of the streams of Kashmir many decades before the independence. Actually, the British tourists and visitors during the days of the rule of the Maharaja had evinced keen interest in fishing and the development of Trout as the best choice was undertaken then. After independence, the practice of supporting and developing this species of fish in particular streams of Kashmir continued under the Department of Fisheries.
Liddar stream flowing through Pahalgam is one of the choice streams whose water, river bed, sand and stones all are conducive to the growth and Trout fish. Of late, the water bed of this stream is being vandalized. People are extracting sand and boulders from the stream and take the material away for using it in construction of private buildings and structures. This has cause grave disturbance to the delicate Trout fish. Removing of sand and boulders from the river bed leaves behind craters in the river bed that are not at all conducive to the fish development. The Trout is said to like laying eggs in sandy beds not too deep and not too shallow. But when removal of sand from the river bed takes place in a large manner, this is causing grave threat to the growth of Trout fish.
The reports are that locals suspect a nexus between the functionaries of fisheries, building contractors and the Police Department. These are the main agencies that are supposed to be involved in this industry. If any of them was serious and honest about its duty, then illegal extraction of sand would not take place. The contractors who are extracting sand and boulders are said to be enjoying the patronage of some ministers of the Coalition Government.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel