Says production crosses 4500 MT in 2023-24; 5200 Fishermen rely on Wular for livelihood

Waris Fayaz

Srinagar, Mar 11 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday refuted the claims that the deterioration of Wular Lake has adversely impacted the fishermen community, stating that the lake continues to contribute nearly 60% of Kashmir’s total fish production.

The Minister In-Charge, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department in reply to a query raised by MLA Nizam-Ud-Din Bhat, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) informed that the fish catch from Wular Lake has shown a consistent increase over the past three years.

The minister while dismissing the claim of adverse impact, said the fresh water lake supports the livelihood of around 5200 registered fishermen.

As per the data accessed, in 2021-22, the total fish catch stood at 2941.68 metric tonnes (MT), comprising 779.76 MT of local fish and 2161.92 MT of carp. The following year, 2022-23, the fish catch increased significantly to 3826.39 MT, with 818.25 MT of local fish and 3008.14 MT of carp.

The highest production was recorded in 2023-24, reaching 4593.861 MT, with 1215.25 MT of local fish and 3378.611 MT of carp, the data suggests, indicating a positive trend in fish production—(KNO)

Rs 44.85 cr allocated for modernization of Zaingeer canal, Rs 16.89 cr for Ningli Nallah flood protection

Waris Fayaz

Srinagar, Mar 11 : Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday revealed its plan for a major infrastructure boost for water resources development and flood protection in Sopore constituency with over Rs 60 crore worth projects either under execution or in the pipeline.

Responding to a query raised by MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, the Minister I/C Jal Shakhti Department, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), informed that flood protection and modernization works have been approved, aiming to enhance water flow capacity, reduce flooding and improve water resource management in Sopore constituency.

The Minister revealed that a flood protection project for Ningli Nallah has been recently approved under NABARD, with a total cost of Rs 16.89 crore, of which work is currently under execution.

Regarding the modernization of Zaingeer Canal, the government has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Rs 44.85 crore, which is awaiting NABARD funding.

For Pohru Nallah, the Minister informed that one flood protection work has already been completed under Flood Management Programme (FMP) Phase-II, while another is under execution under the UT Capex budget. Additionally, a survey has been completed for Khursi Nallah downstream National Highway, and a DPR is being framed accordingly.

The Minister also informed that, under the FMP Phase-II, an expenditure of Rs 75.00 lakh was incurred on Pohru Nallah, and Rs 101.00 lakh on Ningli Nallah.

Additionally, under the UT Capex budget, Rs 35.00 lakh has been spent on Pohru Nallah, and Rs 38.37 lakh on Ningli Nallah besides that, Rs 90.00 lakh was spent under NABARD funding for the Ningli Nallah works.

Under the M&R (Maintenance & Repair) fund, Rs 15.00 lakh was spent on Pohru Nallah, and Rs 10.00 lakh on Ningli Nallah besides, Rs 16.10 lakh was utilized under PRI grants for the same, the Minister informed.

Addressing the sustainability of water sources, the Minister stated that the DPRs are based on detailed surveys, ensuring that the source water quality meets BIS 10500 standards. Furthermore, the projects have been designed with Rapid Sand Filtration Plants (RSFP) to ensure clean and sustainable water supply in the region—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Srinagar, Mar 11 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday informed that the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) has issued 74,071 new ration cards since September 2022, ensuring the inclusion of left-out households.

In response to a question by MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, the minister incharge, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that government has taken consistent measures to bring all left-out eligible families under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

“Since the transition to the Ration Card Management System (RCMS) in September 2022, 28,996 new ration cards have been issued under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and 45,075 under the Non-Priority Household (NPHH) category, ensuring that eligible households are not deprived of benefits,” the department stated.

The government also said that the distribution network currently consists of 6,630 sale outlets, including Fair Price Shops (FPS) and Government Sale Centres.

It said that it is contemplating the opening of new Fair Price Shops (FPS) under the Jammu and Kashmir Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order 2023, especially in panchayats without such facilities.

“The government has also decided to involve elected members to identify and firm up the requirements for new Fair Price Shops across Jammu and Kashmir. This process will prioritize opening outlets in areas that meet the criteria as per policy,” it said.

Regarding the augmentation of ration supplies for the Above Poverty Line (APL) category, it said that food grains are provided to beneficiaries under the Non-Priority Household (NPHH) category at a scale of 5 kg per person per month. The approved sale rates stand at Rs 15 per kg for rice, Rs 12 per kg for wheat, and Rs 13 per kg for wheat flour—(KNO)