Shillong, Sept 13:The ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-DCFR), Bhimtal, jointly with Department of Zoology, NEHU, Shillong have successfully conducted a seed ranching program for the iconic Golden Mahseer at NEHU lake here recently.
Golden Mahseer holds a significant economic, recreational, and cultural value in the rivers and lakes across eleven 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. The initiative is a kick start to conserve and restore the declining population of the species in the natural waters of the region.
The event was graced by Prof P. S. Shukla, Vice Chancellor, NEHU, Shillong amidst faculties, students and scientists from ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal. The dignitaries emphasized 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. Prof. Shukla expressed his commitment to conserving the Golden Mahseer in the natural ecosystems of Meghalaya. He highlighted that this joint initiative will bolster the golden mahseer population and conserve 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.
The program coordinator Prof. Devendra K. Biswal, Coordinator, Biodiversity Informatics Centre including Prof. S.R. Hajong, Head Department of Zoology, Dr. S.K. Mallik, Scientist, Dr. Suresh Chandra, Principal Scientist, Dr. M. S. Akhtar, Senior Scientist, and Dr. R. S. Haldar, Chief Technical Officer of ICAR-DCFR also stressed the urgency of restoring the Golden Mahseer population, noting the continuous decline in their numbers. The programme of ranching golden mahseer in Meghalaya, an important sport fish, was conceived by Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR- Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal.
