Badi Lake in Udaipur declared second global Mahseer reserve

Udaipur: Badi Lake Mahseer Conservation Reserve in Udaipur has now been recognised as the world’s second dedicated Mahseer protected area—and the only one in India. Previously, Poonch River National Mahseer Park in Pakistan was the sole reserve for this fish species.At a meeting of Mahseer Conservation Reserve’s monitoring committee here on Friday, Udaipur district collector Arvind Poswal emphasised the responsibility to preserve the rare fish species of Mahseer. With directives having been issued by Rajasthan High Court, and the state govt having officially declared the area around Badi Lake as a conservation reserve, efforts to protect the Mahseer will gain momentum, adding to the region’s pride.Poswal instructed the departments concerned to enforce the HC’s conservation orders rigorously. He directed that the development of Badi Lake and its surroundings be done with a focus on Mahseer conservation, including preparing information, education and communication (IEC) materials.“Fishing will be strictly prohibited to protect the Mahseer in Badi Lake, and no fishing tenders will be issued. Night patrolling by the forest department will be implemented to ensure compliance, with strict penalties for violations,” said a senior official.Chief Conservator of Forest SR Venkateswara Murthy assured that the HC’s orders would be adhered to in letter and spirit. “An action plan focusing on the Mahseer’s upstream habitat, food chain, reproduction, and pollution control will be developed. The Deputy Conservator of Forest and Wildlife, Udaipur, has been tasked with executing this plan,” he said.The meeting disclosed that on October 7, 2023, the state govt designated a 206.350-hectare area around Badi Lake as Mahseer Conservation Reserve. The HC had already issued conservation orders in 2017.Known as the “Tiger Fish,” Mahseer symbolises the purity of its habitat, thriving only in clean, unpolluted waters. Listed in the IUCN Red Data Book, this predatory fish is on the brink of extinction.

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