The Ujani Dam, a prime freshwater reservoir in Maharashtra, are posing a significant threat to both the environment and the local economy. The dam, which spans 125 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, has long been recognised for its high-quality fish, attracting visitors from across the state. However, experts and local activists claim that illegal operations are increasingly disrupting the dam’s delicate ecosystem and the legitimate fishing industry.
These illicit activities, which peak during the summer months, often involve the use of “Chinese nets” that capture small fish and fish seeds, including endangered species. This fishing method not only damages the immediate catch but also destroys future fish populations, which is detrimental to both the environment and the livelihoods of local fishermen. The unlawful operations are especially damaging as they often go unchecked, with the authorities acting only sporadically to seize the nets. Last week, officials from the irrigation department reportedly dismantled several of these illegal nets. However, activists have raised concerns that such actions are insufficient and only provide a temporary fix to an ongoing and worsening issue. Sandesh Bhandare, a prominent activist from Indapur, stated that a more robust, long-term strategy is needed to address the growing menace. “The illegal fishing business is expanding rapidly, with fishermen coming from other states. The authorities act against only a few offenders, but the scale of the problem requires coordinated and sustained action,” Bhandare noted.
The Ujani Dam provides a variety of local fish species such as shivda, kolis, gugli, and shingta, as well as popular varieties like katla, rohu, and mrigal. These species have sustained the fishing industry in neighbouring towns of Indapur and Daund in Pune district and even parts of Solapur. Despite this, illegal fishing has undercut the livelihoods of local fishermen and damaged the broader fishing economy. One of the key challenges in curbing illegal fishing is the shortage of dedicated enforcement staff. RP More, the executive engineer of Ujani Dam’s management division, highlighted the logistical difficulties in monitoring such a large area, which includes over 80 villages situated around the dam. With limited manpower and resources, the irrigation department struggles to keep track of activities, especially given the vast and remote backwaters.
The state’s irrigation department has suggested that the management of fishing activities be handed over to the state’s fisheries department, but this proposal has been pending for several years. Additionally, while the department generates approximately Rs 5 lakh annually from authorised fishing activities, the actual revenue potential remains far higher, with the growth of a “fish mafia” network that supplies local hotels and restaurants with large quantities of fish throughout the year. This unorganised operation has cost the government a significant amount of potential revenue. The issue at hand is not only an economic one but also an environmental crisis, as the unchecked overfishing and destruction of the aquatic ecosystem could have far-reaching consequences for the dam’s biodiversity. Despite the challenges faced by authorities, the situation calls for a more concerted effort to safeguard Ujani Dam’s rich aquatic life and restore its potential as a sustainable source of livelihood for local communities.
