Fish released into Naini Lake to check pollution

Nainital, Apr 10 : In an effort to preserve the fragile ecology of Naini Lake in Nainital, students released fish into the water to keep a check on increasing levels of pollution.

Naini lake, situated at an altitude of 2000 feet above sea level has been a major attraction in Nainital, but of late the beauty of the lake has deteriorated due to pollution.

Mahaseer has a magnificent appearance with its sap green body with bright orange scales. It is considered to be one of the most prized fish by anglers all over the world. These fish play a major role in restoring ecological balance.

For the students, it was a unique opportunity to actually participate in a cause to conserve environment.

"We study the environment, but it was an opportunity for us to actually do something for our environment. We have been told that fishes help in controlling pollution in the lake. The pollution level is increasing in the lake. So, if we take such steps, it will help us to save the environment and the lake," said Shagun, a student.

Mahaseer will also boost eco-tourism attracting anglers and tourists from abroad.

"We are preserving Mahaseer and silver carp fishes as they will help maintain the ecological balance of the Naini Lake. The breeding will be beneficial as it is directly related to the economy of the State," said A P Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Pantnagar Agriculture University.

Meanwhile, district authorities are proposing that a fine be imposed on the public for polluting the lake and its premises.

The fish in the lake has been of immense help in bringing down level of pollution. Experts are of the view that to keep the pollution under check, it is important to maintain the fish population at an optimum level.

The initiative is a positive step towards maintaining the ecological balance and students were happy to do their bit for preserving the environment. By Vipul Goel

ANI