Farmer introduces 'doctor fish' in Himachal

MANALI: Two years of hard work and series of experiments have paid off for a farmer in Vashisht village of Manali, who has successfully introduced the first ever fish spa in Himachal Pradesh. After getting success in the business, he is now helping others in installation of fish pedicure spas.
Hans Raj Thakur first imported garra rufa, popularly known as doctor fish as it eats dead skin, from Thailand but it could not survive in the cold atmosphere of Manali.Then he experimented with fish from Malaysia but again got disappointment as it died in tanks. Finally after lots of research with help of internet he brought fish from Turkey and got success. Thakur claims that he has now the second largest fish spa of the country.
"I got a chance to experience fish pedicure in Singapore two years back and decided to bring the therapy to Manali to encash the growing tourism in Himachal," said Hans Raj Thakur, adding that he collected information from the internet and contacted several fish spa owners abroad to seek their help. "The project consumed my two precious years and lots of money. I am happy that everybody is praising my efforts and a large number of people, mostly tourists, are visiting my spa for fish pedicure," he said.
Both foreigners and domestic tourists are showing interest in fish pedicure and many are coming to Vashisht only to visit Thakur's spa. Recently this month Hollywood actor David Wenham too enjoyed fish pedicure when he was in Manali shooting for his new movie. David, in a video message, appreciated Thakur for his efforts and said, "I should have tried it long back. It's amazing. I cannot imagine we will find such a spa in Himalaya."
Thakur has 10 fish tanks, including two tanks for children. He recently helped two hotels in Manali to establish their own fish spas and is getting more requests from many hoteliers. Maintaining spa is little expensive as the fish can live as long as two years. It cannot lay eggs in artificial tanks and temperature of water needs to be increased above the room temperature.
Though there are no proven positive or negative effects of fish pedicure, many countries had banned this practice claiming that it is unhygienic to use the tools, including fish, again and again without sanitizing. Thakur got basic training in maintaining hygiene in the spa and does not allow children below five years of age. "I installed ultra-violet filters to keep water germ-free. People suffering from diseases are not allowed."
Farmer turned spa owner Hans Raj Thakur claims that many tourists are coming to Manali for fish pedicure and if more people will open such spas then it will bring more tourists to Himachal. "It is a part of tourism. Like yoga and herbal spas, we can attract a large number of tourists with fish spas," he adds.