Fish species disappearing in Haryana

New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) Fifty-seven species of fish in Haryana have disappeared in Haryana in the past four decades due to pollution and high siltation in rivers, the Agriculture Ministry today said.

As per a study conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the 112 species found in Haryana in 1966-67 have now been reduced to 55.

High siltation in the Yamuna and Ghaggar rivers and increased pollution due to release of sewage and industrial effluents have been attributed for the disappearance of the fish.

Use of river waters for various purposes by the people and industries is another reason, said Minister of State for Agriculture Kanti Lal Bhuria in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The Haryana government has declared the upper reaches of the Yamuna river as fish sanctuaries to prevent commercial fishing.

There is no proposal to set up a fish safari in the state under a centrally sponsored scheme, Mr Bhuria said.

UNI FZ RP HT1507