Srinagar, May 25: The Fisheries Department is going to release coloured fish varieties soon.
 Around 7000-8000 seeds of many coloured strains of fish have been developed by the Department which would be made available in the market.
 This, according to an official statement, was disclosed at a review meeting of Fisheries Department chaired by Minister of State for Fisheries,   Ajaz Ahmad Khan here today.
 Chairing the meeting, the Minister stressed on giving backyard fisheries a thrust in view of the interest it has generated among people who now plan ponds and aquaria at their houses.
   Ajaz also reviewed the status of fish reservoirs at Salal, Baghliar, Uri and other dams. He asked the officers to tap the potential of high altitude lakes also which he said are ideal for trout production.
 Reviewing the implementation status of various welfare schemes for fishermen, the Minister asked the Department to dovetail them with other schemes like MGNREGA, ISSS and rural sanitation. He directed all district heads to submit the progress achieved so far to the administrative department through proper channel.
   Ajaz asked for making inventory of the assets of the department. He asked all district heads to take up the vacation of security forces from their premises with respective Deputy Commissioners. In this regard, he also asked the Director, Fisheries to take up the matter with respective Divisional Commissioners as well.
   Ajaz also directed the Department to make special projects for conservation of water resources. He asked the officers to be vibrant and active in the discharge of their duties.
 Earlier, giving a resume of the activities of the Department, Director, Fisheries,   Showkat Ali said two ornamental fish farms have been planned for Srinagar and Jammu and also fish dressing and drying centres have been proposed and submitted to centre for funding.
 Commissioner-Secretary, Forests,   Umang Narula, many joint and deputy directors and district heads of the Department were present in the meeting.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 25 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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