In view of ecological balancing, Chandigarh's Sukhna to be cleared of large fish

After deep consultation with the Forest Department, Chandigarh, and the Department of Zoology, Panjab University, the Department Of Animal Husbandry and fisheries has permitted the eradication of large fishes from Sukhna Lake.

These fish include the big commercial carp and old exotic giant species inhabiting the depth of the lake. Last year's unusual mortality case in the rainy season supported this decision. This will improve the ecological balance and benefit the small and moderate fishes concerning feeding availability and help in their better breeding.

The fish will be captured with gill nets of mesh size around 6 cm which will be placed from 8 pm to 6 am to avoid any inconvenience. Furthermore, the new fish seeds would be out in a few days which will rear new varieties. A part of these fish would be handed over to the Zoology Department, PU for further research purposes under this project.

Similar operations were conducted in 2010 and 2015 making this the third one. As per the report by the joint director of Animal Husbandry, Dr.Kanwarjit Singh, the clearance operation has already begun on Monday and will be continued for the next 10 days i.e. till 22nd March.

Report by Soha Khan

Graphics by Jasmine Malik