CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION - Government of Himachal Pradesh

DESHP
Himachal Pradesh State Strategic Statistical Plan 149
6.12 Department of Fisheries
The majesty of the snow clad peaks, the mysteries of the gigantic glaciers and the
magnificence of the great rivers emerging from gorges have joined together to
give Himachal a unique majesty. From these snow clad mountains originate some
of the finest but perennial rivers namely Satluj , Beas, Ravi and Chenab.
Whereas, the majority of rivers of southern India, being rain fed dry up during
summer season, on the other hand the rivers of Himachal being snow fed, receive
snow melted water at their full potential. As such they form the lifeline of State
and especially Fisheries. With the coming up of multipurpose Hydro Electric
Power Projects across Satluj, Beas and Ravi rivers at Bhakra, Pong and Chamera
have created reservoirs like - Gobind Sagar, Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong
Dam) Chamera and Ranjit Sagar (Thein Dam) respectively. In these
artificial lakes fisheries have been developed and managed on scientific lines and
is the State role models in the field of per hectare per annum fish yields and
highest price for per Kg fish yield in the country. Special feature of reservoir
fisheries is the exploitation of fish through Co-operative folds.
Himachal Pradesh has varied type of Fisheries Resources like Rivers, Reservoirs,
Ponds and High Altitude lakes. State has 3000 kms of riverine length, out of
which 600 kms fall in the colder zone which is known as Trout waters whereas
rivers flowing in the temperate zone are known as General waters. State is
blessed with four manmade reservoirs namely Gobind Sagar, Pong, Chamera &
Ranjeet Sagar having 43,000 ha of maximum water spread. About 1,000 ha of
water is available in the shape of ponds and 725 ha of water area in the shape of
high altitude lakes.
A. Riverine Fisheries:
Fishing in rivers is undertaken by the fishermen residing in the adjoining areas.
Fishing operation in these waters are regularized under the State Fisheries Act
No. 16 of 1976. Department issues cast net licenses to the fishermen on
daily/yearly basis and they are free to sell the fish catches locally. Over 5,000
families are engaged in fishing in the State Rivers. Annual Fish Production from