What is the News ?

The Union Minister for Fisheries, Livestock, and Dairying has just revealed plans to boost the population of the Uttar Pradesh state fish Chitala by introducing it into natural water sources like the Ganga through river ranching.

Facts About:

Chitala Fish is a type of predator fish that primarily hunts at night and preys on smaller fish.

Distribution:

• Although it's often reported to inhabit various parts of southern Asia, this species is mainly found in the Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan, India (particularly in states like Manipur, Uttaranchal, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar), Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Habitat:

• Chitala Fish is commonly found in major river channels and freshwater lakes but has also been observed in swamps.
• Its primary habitat includes the Indus, Ganges-Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi river basins in India.

Conservation Status:

• According to the IUCN, Chitala Fish is classified as "Near Threatened."

Significance of Chitala’s River Ranching:

• The river ranching initiative has multiple aims, including restoring the aquatic ecosystem's balance, boosting the income of fish farmers, and providing the public with a protein-rich diet.

Additionally, Uttar Pradesh has ongoing projects worth over 1000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.