Kohima, Jun 18 (PTI) In an effort to enhance fish population, the Nagaland government released around one lakh fingerlings into the Doyang river on Wednesday, officials said.

The release by the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources was part of the first phase of the awareness programme-cum-fish ranching exercise held at Aghakupu, Doyang.

Also Read | Bengaluru Water Cut: BWSSB Announces 24-Hour Water Supply Disruption on June 19 Amid Urgent Cauvery Pipeline Work; Check Timings and List of Affected Areas.

The initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and enhancing aquatic biodiversity in the region, they said.

As part of the initiative, indigenous fish species, including the Nagaland State Fish 'Mahseer', were released into the river.

Also Read | Ayatollah Khamenei India Connection: Iran Supreme Leader Traces His Roots to Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary Y Kikheto Sema noted that fish ranching, when combined with public awareness, can help restore natural fish population, improve river ecology and contribute to food security.

He urged local communities to refrain from harmful fishing practices such as use of chemicals, explosives and fine-meshed nets, which severely damage aquatic ecosystems.

Sema also emphasised the importance of conserving native fish species and supporting the livelihoods of local fishing communities through scientific interventions and responsible resource management.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)