New Life for the Vyas: 5,000 Mahashir Fingerlings Released to Revive the River

In a beautiful step towards reviving the Vyas river, the local community and fisheries department came together on Saturday to release 5,000 young Mahashir fish near Aut Bazar.

This heartening event was part of the national Prime Minister Fisheries Scheme, a “River Ranching” initiative focused on giving our rivers a new lease on life. The goal is simple yet powerful: to boost the river’s health, increase fish populations, and in turn, support the livelihoods of local fishermen.

The riverbank was a scene of collaboration, with local leaders like Shyam Lal Baidya, members of the Trout Angling Association, and dedicated fisheries officers like Assistant Director Neetu Singh all taking part. Together, they carefully released the tiny fingerlings, which were nurtured at the Mahashir Fish Farm in Machhayal.

So, why the Mahashir? This native fish is a keystone species. Reintroducing it is about more than just numbers; it’s about healing the river’s ecosystem. The Mahashir helps maintain the environmental balance, increases biodiversity, and is a vital part of the local food chain.

As Neetu Singh, Assistant Director of Fisheries, explained, “This program is a win-win. It’s not just about restoring the natural balance of the Vyas, but also about strengthening the local fish economy and improving the lives of the fishing communities who depend on this river.”

This initiative represents a wave of hope—for a healthier river, a more robust ecosystem, and a brighter future for the people connected to the waters of the Vyas.