Thanks to the Pattiseema canal that links the rivers Godavari and Krishna, the famous Godavari Pulasa, a kind of fish, which commands high price in international market, is likely to make a maiden entry into Krishna. Scientifically called Tenualosa ilisha, Pulasa belongs to herring family Clupeidae. It is popular in South Asia. In fact, Pulasa is a sea fish that swims up the river to lays eggs. After fertilisation in the river water, Pulasa hatchlings swim back to the sea. Pulasa is also caught in the sea. But the ones caught in the river are tastier than those caught in the sea. Till now, there is no Pulasa in the Krishna. It is available only in the Godavari and the Ganges. Fisheries officials said due to the diversion of the water from the Godavari to the Krishna through the Pattiseema project, there is a chance of the Godavari Pulasa migrating to the Krishna. Visakhapatnam district fisheries joint director VV Rao said migration may take place after Krishna Pushkaralu, which is slated to begin on August 12. The survival rate of the Pulasa hatchlings or eggs is less during the Pushkaralu as the water is highly polluted due to the presence of toxic materials in the river. “Pollution of water and presence of E coli bacteria caused by waste generated from puja offerings in the Krishna water will not support the growth of Pulasa. We can expect a good amount of Pulasa fish in the Krishna only after Pushkaralu,” Rao said. He added that the Godavari Pulasa was sold for Rs 5,000 a kilo last year. A Pulasa can lay nearly five lakh eggs. The survival rate of eggs is about 30%. Rao said the fish swims upwards to the mouth of the Godavari from the Bay of Bengal at flood during southwest monsoon. The fish swims upwards from areas such as Yanam, Kapileswarapuram, Kotipalli, Alamur and Ravulapalem to reach Dowleswaram. They come to the river for mating and breeding. The ayacut of river Godavari at Dowleswaram barrage near Rajahmundry in East Godavari district is viable for breeding and mating, Rao said. Godavari is the third largest breeding area for Pulasa after the Padma in Bangladesh and the Hooghly in West Bengal.
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