Udaipur: The district administration and forest officials in Udaipur are ramping up efforts to conserve the pristine ecosystem of Badi Lake, focusing on the unique population of Mahaseer fish found in its waters. This initiative aims to protect the species, which is similar to those found in the Ganges and is crucial for both ecological and economic reasons.
Despite their abundance in Badi Lake, Mahaseer do not breed there. The female Mahaseer typically swims upstream for several kilometres to spawn in the upper reaches of small streams. The eggs hatch naturally while floating downstream. Known as the ‘tiger of the waters,’ the Mahaseer is highly prized among anglers for its challenging nature, attracting enthusiasts from around the world to engage in sport fishing in regions like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
The Mahaseer holds significant commercial value due to its high-quality meat, commanding premium prices in northern and northeastern India. However, the species faces an alarming threat to its existence, with its population declining by more than 50% in recent years. Projections indicate an 80% decline in the near future due to poaching, unregulated angling, water pollution, and infrastructure projects like dam construction.
At a recent meeting of the Mahaseer Conservation Reserve Monitoring Committee, District Collector Arvind Poswal emphasized the global uniqueness of the Mahaseer in Badi Lake. He highlighted that the lake is India’s sole protected area for this species and the world’s second dedicated reserve. Previously, Pakistan declared the Poonch River as a National Mahaseer Park. Poswal stressed the importance of conserving the Mahaseer, describing it as a matter of pride for the district and the state.
In compliance with the Rajasthan High Court’s directives, Poswal announced a ban on fishing in Badi Lake. The Forest Department will enforce this ban strictly, with night patrols and severe penalties for violators. Official from Forest Conservator assured adherence to the court’s directives and outlined plans for a comprehensive conservation strategy. This includes understanding upstream migration patterns, food chain dynamics, reproductive strategies, and measures to mitigate lake pollution.
Retired Chief Conservator of Forests Rahul Bhatnagar underscored the significance of the fishing ban, referencing DNA tests that confirmed the genetic purity of the Mahaseer in Badi Lake, comparable to those in the Ganges. Assistant Forest Conservator (Wildlife) Ajay Chittauda detailed ongoing conservation initiatives, including the strategic relocation of specially bred Mahaseer to enhance breeding efforts.
Environmentalists and lake conservationists, including Dr. Tej Rajdan, Anil Mehta, Shailendra Tiwari, fishery specialist Ismail Ali Durga, Dr. Atul Jain, and Badi Sarpanch Madan Pandit, provided valuable insights and suggestions. Their contributions focused on strategies for Mahaseer conservation and reproductive measures.
The Rajasthan government designated a 206.350-hectare area around Badi Lake as a Mahaseer Conservation Reserve on 7th October 2023, following the High Court’s 2017 directives. The Mahaseer serves as an indicator of water body purity, thriving only in unpolluted and pristine aquatic environments. It is one of the five species classified as endangered in the IUCN Red Data Book.
The survival of the Mahaseer is crucial for maintaining the health of India’s major rivers, including the Ganges. Initiatives like Tata Power’s dedicated conservation program and the ‘Act for Mahaseer’ campaign aim to engage local communities and highlight the economic benefits of sustainable tourism linked to Mahaseer conservation. These efforts are essential to ensure the Mahaseer’s survival in India’s rivers.
