SKARDU, Gilgit Baltistan– Skardu’s renowned trout farming industry faces an existential threat due to the devastating impact of climate change.
The region has witnessed the complete drying up of its springs, jeopardizing the survival of aquatic life and causing significant economic losses for local fish farmers.
Skardu is celebrated for its prized and expensive trout, a major contributor to the region’s economy. However, the alarming decline in water levels has triggered widespread concerns.
Streams and springs, crucial for sustaining fish populations, have vanished, impacting not only the delicate ecosystem but also transforming the entire landscape.
The Nيورنگا area, a hub for trout farming, paints a grim picture. Approximately 120 fish farmers have collectively incurred millions of rupees in losses this year due to the water shortage. This crisis has not only inflicted financial hardship but also altered the very fabric of the region’s livelihood.
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The economic ramifications are substantial. Trout, currently priced between 2,500 and 3,000 rupees per kilogram, commands a premium compared to other fish varieties.
Poranga village alone boasts around 20 small and large springs, but a staggering 18 have completely dried up, posing a significant challenge to the sustainability of fish farming.
A local farmer who previously produced 17 to 20 tons of fish annually, generating substantial income, has seen his production plummet to a mere 4-6 tons due to water scarcity. This drastic decline underscores the dire situation faced by the industry.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the provincial government and the Fisheries Department have initiated a borehole project to extract water and mitigate the crisis. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop a comprehensive long-term strategy to safeguard the future of fish farming in the face of climate change.
Local fish farmer Muhammad Bashir, who has witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of the water shortage, narrates his struggle. Having engaged in trout farming for three years and previously earning significant profits, he has faced substantial losses this year due to fish mortality caused by the low water levels. Despite employing innovative solutions like utilizing generators for oxygen supply, he was unable to prevent the decline.
Mehdi Ali, Director of Fisheries for Baltistan, confirms that the water shortage has impacted the entire region, including the Fisheries Department’s hatchery located at the Khushu Spring. The department was forced to relocate fish due to the critical situation.
The crisis in Skardu serves as a stark reminder of the multifaceted impact of climate change. Not only does it disrupt delicate ecosystems and threaten biodiversity, but it also disrupts livelihoods and poses significant economic challenges.
Urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change and implement sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of the region’s vital trout farming industry.