Ganderbal, Apr 25: Extraction of sand, bajri, boulders, washing of vehicles and outflow of wastes has destroyed the natural habitat of trout in nallah Sindh in Ganderbal district. 
 “Some people are extracting sand, bajri illegally in this natural habitat of trout and the walls constructed on the banks of the Sindh meant to prevent floods are getting destroyed” said a resident of Wayil, Abdul Ahad.
 “Washing of vehicles, outflow of wastes from residential houses and camps of security forces on the banks of Sindh, use of pesticides, DDT and insecticides by farmers kills thousands of trout fishes everyday,” Ahad added.
 Environmentalists are of the opinion that the Sindh Nallah the most favourable habitat for trout species provides optimum level of oxygen, carbon dioxide and exposure to light. "The change in topography leads to destruction of aquatic fauna" they said.
 Locals said that destruction of Sindh had made the entire Ganderbal area “vulnerable to floods.”
 “Slight precipitation and rains can lead to the inundation of the entire district,” said Irfan Ahmed.
 "Authorities have failed to stop this illegal work on the Nallah Sindh and save the heritage of trout species," Irfan added.
 “We are taking all possible measures to protect flora and fana of nallah Sindh but we alone cannot do everything  there are other related departments who have a crucial role to play,”  Assitant Director Fisheries Ghulam Jeelani told Greater Kashmir.
 “Let Geology and Mining department, Irrigation and Flood Control Department and district administration play their role to save the trout,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 IST