Himachal’s Fisheries Department Wins SKOCH Gold Award-2025 for Golden Mahaseer Conservation. 

CM Sukhu Applauds Landmark Achievement in Biodiversity Protection and Sustainable Fisheries. 

Shimla:

In a proud moment for Himachal Pradesh, the Fisheries Department has been conferred the prestigious SKOCH Gold Award-2025 for its innovative and impactful efforts in conserving the critically endangered Golden Mahaseer through a successful captive breeding programme. The award was presented on September 20, 2025, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The award was received by Vivek Chandel, Director-cum-Warden of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh, along with Dr. Som Nath, Assistant Director (Fisheries), on behalf of the department.

A National Recognition of Himachal’s Conservation Success

Congratulating the department, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the award stands as a testimony to the State Government’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, particularly of aquatic species that are both ecologically significant and culturally revered.

“SKOCH Group is known for recognizing transformative governance projects. This national-level recognition reflects the scientific, strategic, and people-centric approach of the Fisheries Department,” said the Chief Minister.

The Golden Mahaseer, a majestic freshwater species found in the Himalayan rivers, is also the State Fish of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. However, its population has been steadily declining due to habitat degradation, overfishing, and pollution.

Reviving the Golden Mahaseer: A Success Story

In response to this alarming trend, the Fisheries Department launched a scientifically driven captive breeding programme, with technical support from ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Bhimtal—India’s only cold-water fisheries research institute.

Key milestones of the initiative include:

• Rejuvenation of the Machhyal Mahaseer Breeding Farm, established in 2016 but previously underperforming.
• A dramatic increase in production: from under 5,000 fingerlings annually to 87,000 fingerlings in 2024–25.
• Launch of the first large-scale stocking campaign:
  • 20,000 fingerlings released into Pong Reservoir
  • 14,500 fingerlings into Gobind Sagar Reservoir

This turnaround came after Director Vivek Chandel and other officials visited CIFRI Bhimtal to identify operational gaps and organized specialized training on breeding techniques, diet management, and disease control.

Expansion Plans and Future Targets

Following the success at Machhyal, the State Government is now working to replicate the model at the newly established fish farm in Sunni (Shimla district). The target for the coming year is to cross 1 lakh fingerlings in production, further accelerating the species’ recovery.

Additionally, efforts are being made to integrate habitat restoration, enforce fishing regulations, and enhance community participation in conservation activities. This inclusive model aims to create sustainable livelihoods, while also boosting eco-tourism and preserving Himachal’s aquatic biodiversity.

Eco-Tourism, Fisheries Growth, and Livelihoods

Golden Mahaseer is not only ecologically important but also a major attraction for angling tourism. In 2024–25, over 3,700 anglers visited the state, supporting local economies.

The department’s conservation strategies are also having a positive impact on overall fish production:

• Total fish production increased from 17,025.97 MT in 2022–23 to 19,019.83 MT in 2024–25.
• Reservoir fish production rose from 549.35 MT to 748.76 MT during the same period.

These figures underline the department’s dual success in conservation and economic growth, reinforcing Himachal’s emerging role as a leader in sustainable fisheries.

A Model for the Nation

With the SKOCH Gold Award-2025, Himachal Pradesh’s efforts are now seen as a model for other states and nations struggling with similar conservation challenges. The blend of science, policy, and grassroots involvement has set a precedent for how fragile species like the Golden Mahaseer can be saved through determined and innovative governance.

Director Vivek Chandel, reflecting on the achievement, credited the visionary leadership of CM Sukhu and the tireless work of departmental officers and staff for the award.

“This recognition encourages us to aim even higher. Our journey has just begun, and we are committed to making Himachal a hub of cold-water fish biodiversity,” he said.