The ICAR-DCFR Bhimtal, Department of Fisheries and the Zoology Department of the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) have launched a joint initiative for conservation of the Golden Mahseer in the State.
Golden Mahseer holds significant economic, recreational, and cultural value in the rivers and lakes across 11 Asian nations, as per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Despite its past abundance in the waters of Meghalaya, the Golden Mahseer population has drastically reduced in recent years, calling for urgent conservation measures.
Prof. Devendra K. Biswal, Program Coordinator, Department of Zoology said under the conservation initiative, a seed ranching programme has started at the NEHU lake to conserve and restore the declining population of the species in the natural waters of the region.
The event was attended by NEHU Vice Chancellor Prof P. S. Shukla in the presence of faculties, students and scientists from ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal.
During the programme, the guests emphasised the critical need for community participation in Mahseer conservation and called for safeguarding the fish breeding grounds as a crucial step toward reviving its population.
Shukla expressed his commitment to conserving the Golden Mahseer in the natural ecosystems of Meghalaya. He highlighted that the joint initiative will bolster the population of the species and conserves its genetic diversity.
As part of the event, hatchery reared fingerlings of Golden Mahseer were released into the lake. Over 100 participants actively took part in the program, marking a significant step toward the conservation of this vital species.
