8th All India Trout Angling Tournament & Conservation Workshop Wraps Up Successfully in Manali.
Manali:
Against the scenic backdrop of Forest Nature Park in Manali, the 8th All India Catch & Release Trout Angling Tournament and Angler’s Interactive Workshop on Conservation of Trout Habitat and Promotion of Angling Tourism concluded on April 27 with resounding success. Held over three eventful days from April 25 to 27, the national-level gathering brought together passionate anglers, fisheries experts, government officials, and conservation advocates from across the country.
Grand Inauguration Sets the Tone
The event commenced on April 25 with a vibrant opening ceremony graced by Torul S. Raveesh, Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, as the Chief Guest. She was joined by Sunayana Sharma, District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) Kullu, as Guest of Honour. DTDO Sharma played a pivotal role in organizing the event, extending generous financial support and hands-on assistance that greatly contributed to its success.
Organized by the Trout Conservation and Anglers Association (TCAA), Kullu, the tournament received extensive logistical and advisory support from the Himachal Angling Association, Palampur, led by President K.B. Ralhan, Vice President Jitender Katoch, and Joint Secretary Dr. H.R. Sharma, all of whom were present and active throughout the event.
Adding local strength to the initiative, Panchayat Pradhan Monika Bharti and other representatives of the local panchayat actively supported the proceedings, ensuring seamless coordination on the ground.
Anglers Take to the Waters
April 26 was dedicated entirely to angling activities. Participants embarked on an early morning “Catch & Release” expedition at 7:00 AM, navigating the rugged terrains and pristine waters of Manalsu, Shanag, Palchan streams, and the Beas River. The day-long activity saw enthusiastic participation from seasoned and amateur anglers alike. Although the exact number of trout caught and released was yet to be officially disclosed, each catch was meticulously recorded and verified upon return to the base venue. The top performers of the day were shortlisted for the final round.
Grand Finale and Conservation Milestones
The final day, April 27, saw the culmination of both competition and conservation dialogue. Though Vivek Chandel, Director-cum-Warden of Fisheries, H.P., was unable to attend due to prior commitments, he deputed senior officers including Pawan Sharma, Joint Director of Fisheries, Dr. Som Nath, Assistant Director, and Neetu Singh, Assistant Director from Mandi, who presided over the closing ceremony.
Special mention goes to field-level officers such as Arun Kant Verma, Gopal Chauhan, and Bhola Ram, who were present throughout and facilitated the stocking of 5,000 brown trout fingerlings across Manalsu, Shanag, and Palchan streams, in addition to 1,000 fingerlings in the Forest Nature Park lake.
A dedicated conservation workshop was held alongside the event, focusing on protecting brown trout habitats in the cold-water streams of Kullu. Discussion points included the future of sustainable angling tourism and the importance of integrating conservation efforts with sport fishing to attract global interest.
Champions Crowned
The much-awaited award ceremony saw recognition of top-performing anglers:
Champion: Rajender (Kullu) – for the biggest trout catch at 41 cm; awarded Rs. 15,000 and a trophy.
1st Runner-up: Abhishek Negi (Kinnaur) – for the second-largest catch; awarded Rs. 10,000 and a trophy.
Joint 2nd Runner-up: Devid (Shimla) and Saket (Banjar) – for the highest number of catches.
Voices from the Community
During the closing discussions, Shakti Singh, President of the Farmers’ Association, raised concerns regarding the challenges faced by Rainbow Trout fish farmers in Kullu. The fisheries department assured that these issues, critical to the livelihood of many, would be addressed promptly and constructively.
A Model of Collaboration
The success of the event was a testament to effective collaboration between government departments, local governance bodies, and angling associations. With financial support from the Tourism Development Council Manali, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, and strong coordination from the Fisheries Directorate, the event stood as a fine example of how sport, conservation, and tourism can be interwoven for mutual benefit.
Krishan Sandhu, General Secretary of TCAA Kullu, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and participants, emphasizing the Association’s commitment to the preservation of trout habitats and the continued promotion of angling tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
