Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) has made an uncommon find by discovering a rare species of fish in Dal Lake. This is the first time the fish, known as an 'Alligator Gar' fish, has been spotted in the lake, as confirmed by experts.
Rare 'Alligator Gar' Fish Found During Clean-Up of Kashmir's Dal Lake Ahead of G20 Meeting
Due to its proximity to the venue where the G20 meeting will be held, the Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) has been conducting a clean-up operation of Dal Lake, which is renowned worldwide.
During the cleaning process, the officials discovered the rare 'Alligator Gar' fish in Dal Lake. According to government officials, the fish possesses a head that resembles that of a crocodile and has extremely sharp teeth.
Statement by Masood Ahmad
"Our machines were carrying out de-weeding in Dal Lake and suddenly this fish appeared on the machine. For the first time we have seen such a type of fish which is known as the Alligator Gar. It was surprising for all of us, and no one had seen a fish like this which resembles the crocodile. Most of us were shocked. We are analysing the situation and we are seeking support from the fisheries department. We will see if there are more of these fish in the lake," said Masood Ahmad, an expert from J&K LCMA’s research and monitoring department.
Several videos of the rare 'Alligator Gar' fish discovered in Dal Lake have been circulating on social media, causing a stir among the residents of the valley, particularly those residing near or on the Dal Lake. Many of them have expressed their concern about finding a rare fish in the lake and believe that it could potentially be an invasive species that poses a threat to the natural aquatic life of Dal Lake.
Statement by Dr Farooz Ahmad Bhat
"The Alligator Gar fish has been sighted for the first time in Kashmir. This fish is not harmful, but we don't have any research on it as this is the first time it has been seen here in the Dal Lake,” said Dr Farooz Ahmad Bhat, Dean at the Faculty of Fisheries, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kashmir.
Government to Investigate Origin and Potential Threat
Recent discovery of the 'Alligator Gar' fish in Dal Lake is not the first instance of a rare fish being found in the lake. Back in 2016, a Grass Carp fish was also spotted in the lake, while another one was found in Manasbal Lake.
The government officials have assured that they will investigate the origin of the 'Alligator Gar' fish and how it reached the lake. They have also stated that appropriate research will be carried out to determine whether it poses a threat to the local fish species in the Kashmir valley.
