Haldwani, May 3 -- Snow trout fish have been reintroduced into Naini Lake after a gap of 36 years, in a bid to improve water quality and restore the lake's ecological balance, officials said. Kumaon commissioner Deepak Rawat said that in the past, bighead carp and common carp were introduced into the lake, but their population grew excessively and adversely impacted its health. "A research study found that these species were detrimental to the lake. They degraded water quality and disrupted the balance of oxygen and nitrogen. Common carp, in particular, increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels, leading to further deterioration. They were also damaging the lake's retaining walls while foraging for food," he said. Following this, the district administration, in collaboration with experts from GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and Kumaon University, conducted a two-year study. Based on its findings, mahseer fish were introduced over two years to help control the population of invasive carp species. "Now, snow trout have been released into the lake. This species had become locally extinct around 1990. After nearly 36 years, their reintroduction is expected to help restore the balance of nitrogen and phosphorus and improve overall water quality," Rawat said. "A total of 300 fish have been released. Their population and ecological impact will be monitored periodically through scientific studies," he said....