Fish farming in ancient lake launched to boost community income in Kanchanpur

Kanchanpur: Commercial fish farming has been introduced in the natural ancient lake within the Vrindavan Community Forest of Shuklaphanta Municipality-9, Kanchanpur, with the aim of enhancing consumer income.

According to Mohan Singh Air, Chairman of the Community Forest, 25,000 fingerlings of Rohu, Kaman, and Grass carp have been released into the lake. “Currently, the fish weigh between one to two kilos,” said Chairman Air. “We plan to release them for sale during Dashain.”

The lake is expected to produce between 200 and 275 quintals of fish. Air said that the income from fish sales will be used for installing mesh wire fencing in the forest area, providing scholarships to children from poor families, and encouraging consumers to pursue vegetable farming and livestock rearing. “We have prioritized forest conservation and development,” he added. “After installing six kilometers of mesh wire, investments will be directed toward agriculture and animal husbandry.”

However, the lake faces the challenge of drying up in summer as it depends solely on rainwater. “If auto-gen boring is arranged, water can be supplied to the lake year-round,” Air said, noting that requests have been made to local, provincial, and federal governments for the required budget.

The Vrindavan Community Forest area also includes Purina, Laranga, and Ajingar lakes. While Purina Lake retains water throughout the year, the other two dry up during summer. Air highlighted that if all three lakes are maintained year-round, the area could be developed into a potential tourist destination.