Ujani Dam to Get Rs 16 Crore for Biodiversity Conservation, Fishermen’s Livelihoods

Solapur, July 2026 : Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) will provide Rs 16 crore to the Solapur district administration for conserving biodiversity in the Ujani Dam and improving the livelihoods of local fishing communities, Chief Executive Officer Pravinsingh Pardeshi announced on Thursday.

Pardeshi made the announcement during a review meeting held at the Solapur Collectorate to discuss various issues concerning the Ujani Dam. The meeting was attended by District Collector S. Karthikeyan, Additional Superintendent of Police Vijay Kabade, Resident Deputy Collector Abhijit Patil, Forest Range Officer Rohit Kumar Gargade, BNHS Trust representative Dr. Unmesh Katwate, fisherman Bharat Malav, and officials from the Fisheries Department.

Addressing the meeting, Pardeshi expressed serious concern over the rapid spread of African catfish species, including African Magur and Suckermouth Catfish, which are threatening the dam’s native fish population and overall biodiversity.

He said invasive catfish species have pushed several indigenous fish varieties towards extinction. These species are also considered harmful for consumption and may pose serious health risks, including an increased possibility of diseases such as cancer. Since breeding African catfish is prohibited in India, Pardeshi directed the district administration and Fisheries Department to promote the breeding of indigenous fish species and intensify awareness campaigns among local fishermen.

District Collector S. Karthikeyan said the administration would take all necessary steps to preserve the dam’s biodiversity. He added that the Rs 16 crore fund would be utilised for establishing native fish conservation and breeding centres and implementing projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of fishing communities dependent on the reservoir.

Dr. Unmesh Katwate of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) presented findings from the organisation’s long-term biodiversity study of Ujani Dam. According to the study, 30 to 35 native fish species have disappeared permanently over the past 30 to 40 years, while nearly 40 more species are on the verge of extinction due to the unchecked spread of invasive fish.

He said BNHS has been conducting awareness programmes among fishermen, discouraging the breeding of African catfish while encouraging the cultivation of native fish species.

Local fisherman Bharat Malav also shared his concerns, stating that Suckermouth Catfish not only prey on indigenous fish but also tear fishing nets, causing heavy financial losses to fishermen.

Key Decisions Taken at the Meeting

• Rs 16 crore funding: MITRA will provide financial support for biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement of fishing communities around Ujani Dam.
• Study on Fish Meal and Fish Oil Industry: Authorities will examine the feasibility of establishing fish meal and fish oil industries in the Ujani catchment area.
• Removal of Invasive Plants: Immediate action was directed to remove invasive species such as Ipomoea and Prosopis juliflora. Authorities warned that sand and soil excavation activities could be halted if action is not taken.
• Action Against Illegal African Catfish Breeding: Police assistance will be provided to initiate legal action against illegal African catfish breeding operations.
• Raids on Hatcheries: The Fisheries Department has been instructed to conduct immediate raids on illegal catfish breeding centres and promote the stocking of native fish species.
• MoU for Conservation: An MoU between the Fisheries Department and the Maharashtra government is expected to be signed by July 14, 2026, to implement programmes for managing invasive fish and conserving indigenous species, in coordination with Fisheries Joint Commissioner Prerna Deshbhratar.
• Separate Review Meeting: A dedicated meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries, Solapur, will also be held.
• Social Forestry Initiative: The Social Forestry Department has been asked to assist in planting native aquatic vegetation around the Ujani Dam ecosystem.

Officials emphasised that rising pollution, invasive fish species and the spread of invasive vegetation pose a serious threat to the Ujani Dam ecosystem, making immediate conservation measures essential to protect its biodiversity and sustain the livelihoods of thousands of local fishermen.