Fisheries dept. releases two lakh fingerlings in Dzü-ü river

Our Correspondent

Kohima, July 21 (EMN): In an effort to replenish the dwindling fish population in the state, the department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on Friday released over two lakh fingerling into the Dzü-ü River underneath the bridge along the National Highway- 29.

Speaking during the river ranching programme held at Rüdi Resort, Rongsennungba, director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, lamented that the fish population in the state is decreasing due to over-fishing and the use of batteries and chemicals.

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Fishing, he said, is Naga culture as forefathers practice it. But the difference, according to him, was that forefathers used ethical ways of fishing while people now use chemicals for fishing.

It is like people are poisoning themselves by consuming the fish killed with chemicals, the director said.

He pointed out that fishes found in Nagaland are ornamental fishes (of high value) but people are not aware of their value and ate them up.

He urged those residing near the Dzü-ü River to preserve and protect the river system in order to promote fishery eco-tourism.

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The officer also requested the villages nearby the river to create awareness among the people by bringing out a resolution to ban the use of batteries and chemicals for fishing saying that such practices kill even the fish egg. He has assured that the district administration and department would support such initiatives.

“The villages must also resolve to completely ban fishing during the breeding season, that is, from July to August,” he said.

He reasoned why fishing cannot be banned for just three months when hunting could be banned in the state. He explained that if one does not disturb fish breeding, it would lay tens of thousands of eggs which in turn benefit the people in the long run.

Towards this, he requested the villagers to form a committee with a member from each village on preserving fish adding that in this way, the people could contribute to environmental protection and preserve the river ecosystem.

Dr. Rongsenkumzuk, deputy director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, gave a brief report about Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) under which the activities are being implemented.

He said the department applied for the central scheme and was granted in 2022-23. He informed that the department is waiting for fish breeding season to carry out the activities.

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Informing that the fish population is decreasing due to overfishing, he urged the people to balance the fish population. He said fish are released into the rivers and other water bodies in the state to increase the fish population.

Kikrosa Naki, chairman of Kezoma Village, said the village has a standing resolution against the use of chemicals for fishing. But since Dzü-ü involved a lot of villages, he stated that their standing resolution cannot bind other villagers.

He suggested other villages implement similar resolutions to preserve fish and the river system.

The Head GB of D Khel, Kohima village, Keduoneituo Kire, has thanked the department and assured to protect the ecosystem of the river. He also thanked the department for taking such initiative in the village area.

The department started the activity this year with its first programme held in Mokokchung district and now in Kohima district. The department has planned to carry out similar activity in all the districts of Nagaland in a phase-wise manner.