Ruhi
Bhasin : New Delhi, Fri Jul 13 2012, 00:50 hrs
As
dismal as their condition has been, the ponds in Delhi could soon get
a new lease of life — in the form of fish culture. Delhi
government’s ambitious plan to allow fish culture in water bodies
is finally taking off.
According
to officials, around 24 water bodies in Northwest Delhi have been
identified for the purpose. These ponds will be auctioned after the
monsoon. The water bodies will be used to promote fish culture,
fishing, production of fish and fish seeds (fertilised fish eggs).
The
water bodies have been identified in villages such as Auchandi,
Boodhanpur Majra, Bawana, Qutub Garh, Khera Kalan, Naya Bhans,
Ibrahimpur, Karala, etc. These ponds have an area of about 1 acre to
3.5 acres each. “We plan to auction ponds in Northwest Delhi after
monsoon. A proper survey was done to ensure that these ponds were fit
for fish culture. A committee has also been formed to auction off
these ponds. Either it will be an open auction or sealed bids will be
invited,’’ said a senior government official.
The
committee comprises deputy commissioners of respective districts,
director of animal husbandry unit (Development department), a fish
culture expert, a water quality expert of Delhi Pollution Control
Committee, area deputy conservator of forests, director (Panchayat)
and divisional commissioner.
A
total of 477 water bodies were initially identified across the city
for the fish culture project. The project will be implemented in
other water bodies depending on how successful it is in the ponds in
Northwest Delhi, said officials.
Officials
said the move is aimed at creating a means of livelihood for
villagers, ensuring proper maintenance of ponds and also preventing
encroachment on groundwater recharge structures. The Revenue
department, which owns the 24 water bodies, said fish culture was
part of a series of projects to be taken up for restoring water
bodies. The move follows a Delhi High Court directive, in 2000, to
augment Delhi’s groundwater sources.
The
Forest department and Horticulture unit of Development department
will have the task of ensuring sufficient greenery around the water
bodies. The greenery is essential to ensure that there is enough
oxygen and plankton for fish to feed on. The Delhi Jal Board will
have to ensure that there is no sewage flow into these ponds from
adjoining villages, said officials. This project has got the approval
from the L-G’s office.
“Once
the ponds are auctioned, the licensee will be authorised to use the
water bodies only for fish culture, fishing, production of fish and
fish seeds of culturable varieties. Culture of African magur (Clarias
gariepinus) is prohibited, as they are carnivorous and will feed on
other fish varieties,’’ said an official.
“The
bidder will have to deposit an amount of Rs 10,000 or 5 per cent of
the estimated value — whichever is higher — as earnest money. As
per the guidelines, fishing can be done by net or rod and line only.
Precaution should be taken for timely removal of weeds, maintenance
of water pH, optimum nutrition to fish and that fish is caught
without resorting to blasts or use of chemicals,’’ said the
official.
The
licence will be issued for a year and the fish farmer cannot prevent
domestic animals from drinking water from of the pond. No
modification in the existing structure of the water body would be
made, and any activity not in conformity with the existing/future
laws of environment would not be permitted.
©
2012 The Indian Express Limited. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment