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Fish Biodiversity Restoration under Namami Gange: 7,000 Mahseer Fish Released in the Alaknanda Dam Area, Shrinagar, U.K.

11^th June, 2026
Shrinagar, U.K.
For the conservation and restoration of endangered fish species Mahseer 7,000 fingerlings of Mahseer fish were released into the Alaknanda River upstream of the Shrinagar dam area near Dhari Devi Temple under the Namami Gange Project.

This ranching cum mass awareness programme was organized by ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in collaboration with the Department of Zoology of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, and the Fisheries Department of Tehri Garhwal. Mahseer is a unique fish species native to the Himalayan region and plays a crucial role in maintaining the riverine ecosystem. However, due to various factors, it has become endangered, making its conservation a matter of urgent importance. The ultimate objective of the activity was conserving the river ecosystem and fish biodiversity.
The program was attended by Head of the Department of Zoology, Prof. Manju Prakash Gusain, DSW Prof. O.P. Gusain, University Fish Hatchery Coordinator Prof. Deepak Singh, and officials from the Tehri Garhwal Fisheries Department, including Pushkar Singh Nayal and Sanjay Singh. During the event, emphasis was placed on raising awareness about river conservation and the enhancement of aquatic life.

Dr. Deepak Singh praised the initiative, stating that it is a significant step toward preserving the biodiversity of rivers. He noted that the Mahseer has been designated as the state fish of Uttarakhand, but its population in the region's rivers has been steadily declining. At the global level, the species has been categorized as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, making its conservation and propagation extremely important.Br> As part of these efforts, a fish hatchery dedicated to Mahseer was established at the Department of Zoology, Chauras Campus, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, with support from Alaknanda Hydro Power Company. The 7,000 fingerlings released into the river were produced at this hatchery and at another hatchery operated by the Fisheries Department in Tehri Garhwal. During the event, Namami Gange project scientists Dr. Upendra Singh, Dr. Jitendra Singh Rana, and Dr. Ranjit Singh spoke about the importance and conservation of Mahseer. They informed participants that approximately 40,000 Mahseer juveniles have already been released at various locations in the Ganga River under the Namami Gange program.

The event also witnessed active participation from research scholars Sachin, Rahul, Ajay, Ayush, Rakesh, and others, along with local fish farmers. Participants collectively pledged to keep the river clean, healthy, and vibrant