Illegal fishing harms Ujani Dam's ecosystem and economy

Illegal fishing at Ujani Dam is causing serious problems for both the environment and the local economy, according to experts and activists. This dam, located in Indapur tehsil of Pune, is known for its high-quality freshwater fish. The illegal fishing is mainly carried out during the summer using 'Chinese nets,' which catch small fish and disrupt the ecosystem. Recently, officials from the irrigation department destroyed several illegal nets, but activists believe this is not enough to address the long-term issue. They argue that a more detailed action plan is needed to control the large numbers of illegal fishermen operating around the dam. "The authorities only take action against a few individuals, but many more continue to fish illegally and harm the ecosystem," said Sandesh Bhandare, an activist from the area. Fishing has become a significant business in the region, attracting fish lovers from across the state. However, the irrigation department lacks enough staff to enforce regulations against illegal fishing. RP More, an executive engineer for the dam, stated that it is challenging to monitor activities consistently due to manpower shortages and the size of the area. To manage the problem better, the irrigation department has suggested that the fishing management be transferred to the fishery department, but this proposal has remained pending for several years. Authorized fishing at the dam generates about Rs5 lakh in revenue, but officials believe there is much more potential that is being lost due to unregulated activities. Local residents with land near the dam are reportedly involved in illegal fishing as well. They supply fish to local hotels and restaurants, creating a profitable but illegal network. A senior official noted that this industry represents a significant financial loss for the government.