The Telangana Fish Seed Scheme has come under scrutiny after officials reported releasing fish fingerlings into 12,944 tanks that have dried up due to insufficient rainfall across the state.
The Fisheries Department is preparing to implement the free fish seed distribution scheme, which involves an expenditure of Rs. 133 crore. However, the reported release of fish fingerlings into dry tanks has raised concerns among fishermen.
Fishermen allege that contractors are pressuring officials to release fish fingerlings even in tanks where water levels have drastically dropped due to drought conditions. They are demanding an immediate inquiry into the matter.
Instead of distributing fish fingerlings, fishermen are urging the government to provide direct cash benefits to them. They believe there is a lack of transparency in the implementation of the current scheme.
The Fisheries Department had invited tenders for the supply of fish fingerlings under this scheme. Doubts are being raised about the continuation of the tender process despite the existence of a list of dry tanks.
Many are calling on the government to consider the demands of the fishermen and take appropriate action regarding the fish seed distribution scheme.
