Jamshedpur Angling Club (JAC) has is planning to release fish fries into Beldih and Bara lakes later this month to revive fish stock in the hope of resuming their activities next month if and when Jubilee park is reopened.

Sources within the JAC revealed that fish stock at both Beldih Lake in Dhatkidih and Bara Lake near Sidhgora is fast depleting. “Some fish died at the Beldih lake last month under mysterious circumstances. It is necessary to maintain the fish stock as angling activity was likely to take place next month,” one of the sources said.

The fish fries will be procured from Ramsagar in Bankura district of Bengal. Fries of rui, katla and mirgal will be released into the two lakes.

JAC secretary Sukumar Ghoshal confirmed that fries will be released into the two water tanks later this month. “It is time we release fries into the two water bodies. Fries weighing about a quintal each will be released into Beldih and Bara lakes,” he added.

The club suspended angling activity at Beldih and Bara lakes from July in view of the pandemic. The landmark Jayanti Sarovar in Jubilee Park has been closed for nearly four months now.

Ghoshal said they would shortly call a meeting to discuss their future course of action. “Transportation of the consignment of fish fries from Bengal and other related logistics would be discussed threadbare during the meeting,” he added.

On when angling activities will resume, the JAC secretary said they were looking at next month but everything depended on the re-opening of Jubilee Park. “Angling would resume only after the park is re-opened. We want the activity to resume at Jayanti Sarovar first. The decision (on re-opening of the park) rests with Tata Steel utilities and Infrastructure Services Ltd (formerly Jusco). We are keeping our fingers closed,” Ghoshal said.

The pandemic has already forced JAC to cancel its annual angling competition at Jayanti Sarovar held in July 29 to mark the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna J.R.D. Tata.

Club members want angling to resume at Beldih and Bara lakes at least. “We are waiting for Jubilee Park to re-open. Angling can take place at Beldih and Bara lakes next month by maintaining social distancing. I am addicted to angling and it is difficult to wait any longer. Angling can resume a fortnight after the fries are release,” said Ehtesham Khan, a member.