50,000 fishlings released into Kosgi lakes

Mahbubnagar: As part of government’s initiative to provide self employment to fishermen in rural areas, Animal Husbandry Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav and Health Minister Dr C Laxma Reddy released 50,000 fishlings in Yellama lakes in Kosgi mandal in Mahbubnagar district on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Talasani said the State government was bringing out various innovative schemes and programmes for the development of all communities in the State. He added that the State government was focusing on the welfare of backward communities like fishermen and shepherds.

“Through integrated fisheries development scheme, the State government is providing various facilities to fishermen and distributing fishing nets and motor cycles at 100 per cent subsidy. This apart, the government is also conducting regular awareness and training programmes through Fisheries department to help them market their products and earn a good livelihood,” Talasani added.

The Minister further asked the members of fishing community to take utmost care and record the fishling count and their sizes from time to time. From the time the fish seed is released into the lake, the fishermen should guard the lake and ensure that no other community intervenes into their business. “The fishermen communities must be united and safe guard their traditional employment. If anyone tries to intervene into their business, the government will initiate legal action against them,” the Minister said.

Stating that only Mudiraj and Bestha communities were allowed to carry out pisciculture in lakes adopted by the village in the rural areas, Talasani said as all the lakes and ponds in the district have been deepened by desilting under Mission Kakatiya programme, almost 80-90 per cent lakes were full with water and this was a great opportunity for the fishermen to carry out their business.