Drought-hit tanks threaten Telangana fish seed scheme

Nizamabad: Telangana’s annual fish seed distribution programme is facing uncertainty in Nizamabad district as declining water levels in irrigation tanks threaten the survival of fingerlings. The state spends around Rs 4 crore to Rs 4.20 crore annually to release nearly four crore fish seed into local water bodies. However, Irrigation Department data shows that many of the district’s 1,007 designated tanks have inadequate storage. Around 50 tanks have less than 25 per cent water, while 245 have between 25 and 50 per cent. Another 334 tanks hold between 50 and 75 per cent capacity.

Under Fisheries Department norms, seed stocking is permitted only in water bodies with at least 40 per cent water depth. Fishermen fear that releasing fingerlings into depleted tanks could result in high mortality and financial losses.

The fishing community has urged officials to physically inspect shortlisted tanks before distribution and match seed allocation with actual water availability.

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The Hans India