{"id":6668,"date":"2025-09-24T14:06:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T14:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=6668"},"modified":"2025-09-24T14:08:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T14:08:48","slug":"himachals-fisheries-department-wins-skoch-gold-award-2025-for-golden-mahaseer-conservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=6668","title":{"rendered":"Himachal\u2019s Fisheries Department Wins SKOCH Gold Award-2025 for Golden Mahaseer Conservation.\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Himachal\u2019s Fisheries Department Wins SKOCH Gold Award-2025 for Golden Mahaseer Conservation.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n

CM Sukhu Applauds Landmark Achievement in Biodiversity Protection and Sustainable Fisheries.\u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shimla<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

A National Recognition of Himachal\u2019s Conservation Success<\/h3>\n

Congratulating the department, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu<\/strong> said the award stands as a testimony to the State Government\u2019s commitment to biodiversity conservation<\/strong>, particularly of aquatic species that are both ecologically significant and culturally revered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSKOCH Group is known for recognizing transformative governance projects. This national-level recognition reflects the scientific, strategic, and people-centric approach of the Fisheries Department,\u201d said the Chief Minister.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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

Reviving the Golden Mahaseer: A Success Story<\/h3>\n

In response to this alarming trend, the Fisheries Department launched a scientifically driven captive breeding programme<\/strong>, with technical support from ICAR\u2013Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Bhimtal<\/strong>\u2014India\u2019s only cold-water fisheries research institute.<\/p>\n

Key milestones of the initiative include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Rejuvenation of the Machhyal Mahaseer Breeding Farm<\/strong>, established in 2016 but previously underperforming.<\/li>\n
  • A dramatic increase in production: from under 5,000 fingerlings annually<\/strong> to 87,000 fingerlings in 2024\u201325<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  • Launch of the first large-scale stocking campaign<\/strong>:\n
      \n
    • 20,000 fingerlings<\/strong> released into Pong Reservoir<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • 14,500 fingerlings<\/strong> into Gobind Sagar Reservoir<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

      Expansion Plans and Future Targets<\/h3>\n

      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)<\/strong>. The target for the coming year is to cross 1 lakh fingerlings in production<\/strong>, further accelerating the species’ recovery.<\/p>\n

      Additionally, efforts are being made to integrate habitat restoration<\/strong>, enforce fishing regulations<\/strong>, and enhance community participation<\/strong> in conservation activities. This inclusive model aims to create sustainable livelihoods<\/strong>, while also boosting eco-tourism<\/strong> and preserving Himachal\u2019s aquatic biodiversity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Eco-Tourism, Fisheries Growth, and Livelihoods<\/h3>\n

      Golden Mahaseer is not only ecologically important but also a major attraction for angling tourism<\/strong>. In 2024\u201325, over 3,700 anglers<\/strong> visited the state, supporting local economies.<\/p>\n

      The department’s conservation strategies are also having a positive impact on overall fish production<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Total fish production<\/strong> increased from 17,025.97 MT in 2022\u201323<\/strong> to 19,019.83 MT in 2024\u201325<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • Reservoir fish production<\/strong> rose from 549.35 MT to 748.76 MT<\/strong> during the same period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        These figures underline the department\u2019s dual success in conservation and economic growth<\/strong>, reinforcing Himachal\u2019s emerging role as a leader in sustainable fisheries.<\/p>\n

        A Model for the Nation<\/h3>\n

        With the SKOCH Gold Award-2025, Himachal Pradesh\u2019s efforts are now seen as a model for other states<\/strong> and nations struggling with similar conservation challenges. The blend of science, policy, and grassroots involvement<\/strong> has set a precedent for how fragile species like the Golden Mahaseer can be saved through determined and innovative governance.<\/p>\n

        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.<\/p>\n

        \u201cThis 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,\u201d he said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Himachal\u2019s Fisheries Department Wins SKOCH Gold Award-2025 for Golden Mahaseer Conservation.\u00a0 CM Sukhu Applauds Landmark Achievement in Biodiversity Protection and Sustainable Fisheries.\u00a0   Shimla:   […]<\/p>\n

        <\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6670,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-himachal-news","category-latest-news"],"yoast_head":"\nHimachal\u2019s Fisheries Department Wins SKOCH Gold Award-2025 for Golden Mahaseer Conservation.\u00a0 - The Eagle News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=6668\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Himachal\u2019s Fisheries Department Wins SKOCH Gold Award-2025 for Golden Mahaseer Conservation.\u00a0 - The Eagle News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Himachal\u2019s Fisheries Department Wins SKOCH Gold Award-2025 for Golden Mahaseer Conservation.\u00a0 CM Sukhu Applauds Landmark Achievement in Biodiversity Protection and Sustainable Fisheries.\u00a0   Shimla:   […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=6668\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Eagle News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-09-24T14:06:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-24T14:08:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG-20250924-WA0013.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1142\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1176\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=6668\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=6668\",\"name\":\"Himachal\u2019s Fisheries Department Wins SKOCH Gold Award-2025 for Golden Mahaseer Conservation.\u00a0 - 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