YAVATMAL

In the Yavatmal district, several veterinary hospitals and clinics provide essential services for animal health care. Some of the facilities include:

• Veterinary Hospital, Pusad
• Ner Veterinary Hospital in Ner caters to local farmers and livestock owners, providing necessary medical care for animals.
• Alone Vet Polyclinic Arni Road
• Om Sai Hospital in Malkhed Bk

Additionally, there are numerous private clinics and practices throughout the district that cater to both livestock and pets. These include specialized clinics for small animals and general veterinary services for larger livestock.

According to the Yeotmal (now Yavatmal) District Gazetteer, 1974, Wardha and Penganga rivers formed the primary drainage system of the district, with the former marking parts of the northern and western boundaries, while the latter defined sections of the southern boundary. Among the key tributaries, the Wardha had the Bembala and Nirguda, whereas the Penganga was joined by the Pus, Arunavati, Adan, Waghadi, Khuni, and Vaidharbha. Most of these tributaries carried water throughout the year.

At the time, the district contained 15 perennial and 50 seasonal tanks, covering a total water-spread area of approximately 1,700 acres. These tanks were owned by various administrative bodies, with the largest shares held by the Irrigation Department (867.67 acres across nine tanks), Zilla Parishad (374 acres across 30 tanks), and Fisheries Department (192 acres in a single tank). Smaller holdings were under the Revenue Department, Forest Department, municipalities, and private owners. Plans were in place to introduce pisciculture in select tanks managed by the Irrigation and Power Department, and about 1,100 acres had been surveyed for this purpose.

The scope for fisheries development in the district was considered limited due to the available water-spread area. However, several species of commercially valuable fish were naturally present in the rivers and tanks. These included various carps and barbs (e.g., Rohu, Catla, Mahaseer), catfishes, loaches, eels, garfish, murrels, and perches. The prawn Macrobrachium malcolmsonii was harvested seasonally from rivers between February and June, with peak yields in April-May, totaling around 5,000 kg. These prawns were considered a delicacy and were sold at 2-3 prawns per rupee.

Traditional fishing craft included the "Donga", a dugout canoe measuring between 15 and 25 feet, costing Rs. 225 to Rs. 300 depending on size. The primary fishing gear used was the "Bhawarjal" (cast net), along with various local nets such as the "Pillani" (triangular scoop net), "Jappa," "Tangar," "Zorali," and "Attaki" (a deep-water gill net). Bamboo traps were also employed. Sport fishing for murrels was practiced on a small scale. While cotton twine was the traditional material for nets, there was a gradual shift toward synthetic fibers like nylon, supported by government subsidies.

The district had around 5,000 fishermen, of whom 3,500 relied on fishing as their primary livelihood. The remaining engaged in fishing as a supplementary occupation. The fishing community included sub-castes such as Bhanari, Bendora, Ahir, Machhindra, Bastala, and Kahar.