Scientists have released 7,000 Golden Mahseer fingerlings into the Alaknanda river in Uttarakhand. The release took place on 12 June 2026 near the Dhari Devi dam area. ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, led the effort. Moreover, it formed part of the Namami Gange Programme. The goal is to restore fish diversity in a key Ganga tributary.
Partners Behind the Release
Three institutions worked together on this drive. First, ICAR-CIFRI led the project. Second, the Department of Zoology at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU) joined it. Third, the Fisheries Department of Tehri Garhwal took part. Notably, the fingerlings came from Mahseer hatcheries at HNBGU’s Chauras campus and the Tehri fisheries facility.
A Wider Restocking Mission
This was not a one-off step. In fact, nearly 40,000 Mahseer juveniles have already gone into the Ganga basin under the mission. CIFRI Director Dr Pradip Dey guided the programme. He said the release shows the role of “science-driven interventions in restoring aquatic biodiversity.” Also, local fish farmers and stakeholders joined the event.
Why the Golden Mahseer Needs Help
The Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) is a large, powerful river fish. People often call it the “tiger of the water.” However, its numbers have fallen in Himalayan rivers. Dams, habitat loss, overfishing and pollution are the main threats. Therefore, the IUCN treats it as a threatened species.
State Fish of Uttarakhand
Interestingly, the Golden Mahseer is the state fish of Uttarakhand. It also holds the same status in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. So, its revival matters for the state’s rivers and its angling tourism.
Golden Mahseer: Key Facts for Revision
- Fingerlings released: 7,000, on 12 June 2026
- River: Alaknanda, near Dhari Devi
- Lead agency: ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore
- Partners: HNBGU Zoology Department and Tehri Garhwal Fisheries Department
- Programme: Namami Gange
- Scientific name: Tor putitora
Why the Golden Mahseer Matters for UKPSC
Notably, UKPSC often asks about the state’s symbols, rivers and conservation steps. So, remember the state fish, the river and the lead institute. Also, link this drive with the Namami Gange Programme. For official updates, also visit ICAR. Next, for a related story, read about the fish release in Naini Lake. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.