The Chamoli authorities have permitted angling (catch and free) at 32 locations in five rivers – Alaknanda, Nandakini, Nigole, Pindar, and Ramganga in an initiative to boost the tourism sector.

The permit for these identified locations is being issued to self-help groups, Mahila Mangal Dal and other social organisations, for an annual fee of Rs 5,000. The angling would be allowed only for “catch and free,” wherein the visitors can catch the fish and release it in the river.

Chamoli district is prominent for trout fish and the latest decision to allowing angling it is likely to attract a high number of tourists, the officials said.

Sharing further information, Jagdamba Raj, the additional director of the fishery department, told TOI, “Though the project was planned for 2020, it could not be executed due to Covid-19.”

He pointed out that in 2020, a month-long training camp for the youth was organised at Devlibaga, where the locals were given training on angling and informed about the technical details.

A five-km area in the rivers has been identified by authorities for the angling. The authorities say that the role of locals is extremely important in the project as they are aware of the locations where the probability of finding fish is more. Therefore, these locals have been trained to help the visitors and act as a guide.

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