PUNE: As part of its commitment to bio-diversity efforts, Tata Power has joined hands with non-governmental organisation FONA, that works on Mahseer (fish species) conservation in Indrayani river in Pune. Mahseer is an endangered fish species and the initiative is focused on reviving the population of Mahseer in Indrayani river. Tata Power will supply one lakh fries every year for three consecutive years, of which 12,000 one-year-old fries have already been sent to the NGO.

 

Taking cognisance of the alarming decline in the population of Mahseer, Tata Power undertook a massive Mahseer conservation initiative in 1975 and set up a breeding centre at Lonavla. It is the only breeding centre till date which breeds and supplies fingerlings to various states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Assam.

 

Further, post in-depth research and conservation of Mahseer for the past 35 years, the company has established standard techniques of breeding the Mahseer species and has bred over several lakh of fingerlings. The hatchery continues to breed over three to four lakh fingerlings every year. In 2001, the company introduced culturing of golden Mahseer and Deccan Mahseer in floating net cages at Walwhan lake, Lonavla.

 

Speaking about the collaboration, Mahesh Panranjpe, head-Hydros, Tata Power said,"The company has put concerted efforts towards Mahseer conservation for over 35 years."