Falling Reservoir Levels Likely To Hit Fish Production In Nalgonda
The department has identified about 1,280 irrigation tanks, including nine major reservoirs: Reports
NALGONDA: Falling water levels in reservoirs and irrigation tanks due to deficient rainfall are likely to affect fish production in Nalgonda district and push up their prices in the markets.
Fish production in the district averages more than 25,000 tonnes a year following the release of fish fingerlings into reservoirs and irrigation tanks by the fisheries department.
The department has identified about 1,280 irrigation tanks, including nine major reservoirs, for the release of fish fingerlings to support the livelihoods of fishing communities such as Bestha and Mudhiraj.
More than 20,000 families from these communities depend on fishing for their livelihood. Low water levels affect the growth and survival of fish fingerlings.
The Nagarjunasagar, Musi, Dindi, Pendlipaka, Puttamgandi and Akkampally reservoirs have sufficient water levels to support fish farming, while most other irrigation tanks are nearing dry conditions. Fish farming cannot be taken up in these tanks if water levels remain low.
Fish availability in the markets has also declined, resulting in a slight increase in prices. Demand for fish remains high as consumers consider it healthier and cheaper than meat.
The price of rava fish has increased from ₹160 to ₹ 200 a kg over the past three months. Prices of other varieties have also increased. A similar situation has been reported in Suryapet and Yadadri-Bhongir districts.
State president of the Bestha Seva Sangam, G Venkateshwarlu, said fishermen would lose their livelihood if deficient rainfall continued due to the El Nino effect. Fish farming in farm ponds and man-made tanks was not affordable for the fishing communities.
He urged the government to release more fish fingerlings into the nine reservoirs with adequate water levels and allow fishermen from cooperative societies in other areas to fish in these reservoirs. This, he said, would help address the shortage of fish in the markets and support fishermen’s livelihoods.
District fisheries officer A Sukeerthi said the tender process for the release of fish fingerlings had been completed. The release had not been done in irrigation tanks because of the low water levels. Steps would be taken to release fingerlings into the reservoirs with adequate water levels.