The new fishing season at Pong Lake began on a high note as a 22-kg Catla measuring 100 cm was hauled in on Saturday, marking the end of a two-month annual fishing ban. The prized catch brought cheers to thousands of fishermen who returned to the reservoir after the ban was lifted.
The fish was caught by Rakesh Kumar, son of Hari Ram, a resident of Batwar village in Dadasiba. Rakesh is a member of the Jambal Fishermen Cooperative Society, according to The Tribune.
Pong Lake Fishing Ban Lifted After Two Months
The reservoir, which remained largely quiet for two months, came alive again as fishermen cast their nets across the water. The annual ban was imposed from June 15 to August 15 to protect fish during their breeding season. With the ban lifted on Saturday, fishing activity resumed in full swing.
The day's catch showed strong results across different areas. Dehra topped the list with 2.28 metric tonnes of fish, followed closely by Haripur with 2.16 metric tonnes, as reported by The Tribune.
Why the Annual Fishing Ban Matters
Sandip Kumar, Assistant Director of Fisheries (Pong), told The Tribune that the annual closure was crucial for maintaining fish populations in the reservoir. The ban allows fish to breed without disturbance, ensuring the sustainability of the fishery for years to come.
"The annual closure was crucial for maintaining fish populations in the reservoir." — Sandip Kumar, Assistant Director of Fisheries (Pong), via The Tribune
This system of seasonal closure is designed to balance the needs of the fishing community with the long-term health of the fish stock. By protecting fish during their breeding season, the ban helps ensure that future catches remain strong.
Our Take: A Promising Start for Pong Fishermen
To put it plainly, the 22-kg Catla is more than just a big fish — it is a sign of a healthy reservoir. The fact that such a large fish was caught on the very first day after the ban suggests that the two-month rest period is working as intended.
For the thousands of fishermen who depend on Pong Lake for their livelihood, this is an encouraging start. The strong catches reported from Dehra and Haripur on day one also point to a productive season ahead.
In our view, this shows the value of well-managed fishing regulations. When authorities enforce seasonal bans and fishermen cooperate, everyone benefits — the fish population stays healthy, and the fishing community enjoys better catches. The challenge now is to maintain this balance throughout the season.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the early promise translates into a full season of good catches for the fishing cooperatives around Pong Lake.