HP govt, PU to set up fish hatchery unit

8220;We are carrying out a joint research project headed by M. S. Johal of the Fish and Fisheries Laboratory to envisage the setting up of the hatchery at a suitable place in Himachal Pradesh,8221; Kumar stated.

He said that the Golden Mahasheer, which is the most preferred variety of Mahasheer, had been on the decline for the past few years. 8220;The average weight of the Mahasheer has come down from nearly 20 kg to about four kg,8221; Kumar rued.

8220;The reasons,8221; he said, 8220;are various. From increasing river valley projects to the ecological degradation to destructive fishing8221;.

8220;The project was commissioned after the National institutes failed to provide technical assistance to the state,8221; Kumar added.

Over 70 delegates from different parts of the country attended the workshop which concluded today. S. K. Chakraborti, retired director of Fisheries, Punjab, was honoured during the workshop on Monday.