For thinning the growing fish population in Sukhna Lake, UT has decided to allow 15-day fishing lease. The decision was taken at ameeting convened by finance secretary Sanjay Kumar. A committee comprising director, animal husbandry department, conservator of forests, professor MS Johal of PU zoology department, and farm superintendent, fisheries, was formed to discuss the matter at length.

Prof Johal in a report to the administration had pointed out that keeping in view average depth of water in the lake, fish population needed to be controlled. ‘‘There is an urgent need for thinning of fish population, especially the bigger size, so that a congenial environment be created for the younger generation of fish,’’ he had noted.

Stating the occasional incidents of fish mortality as a serious concern for the ecological health of the lake, Johal had advised the administration to operate a boat/motorboat at a very slow speed to circulate surface water so that obnoxious gases like carbon-dioxide, which are responsible for mortality of fish, be removed and oxygen contents be increased.