Directorate Of Coldwater Fisheries Research (Icar)

Our office is at Anusandhan Hawan in Bhimtal. It is a quiet place compared to the big cities. Being part of the Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research means we spend a lot of time thinking about the lakes and the fish. The air up here in Bhimtal is cooler, which is nice. Anusandhan Hawan is a solid building, built for work, not for show. We have labs and offices where we keep our records and equipment. It’s not uncommon to see someone walking around in boots or carrying water samples. We don't have a fancy lobby with a fountain. Most of our furniture is the heavy wooden kind that lasts for decades. The view of the hills from the windows is probably the best part of the job. We start our days early when the mist is still on the water. The staff here is mostly scientists and helpers who grew up around these mountains. We drink a lot of tea to stay warm when the winters get sharp. There are always piles of journals and maps on the tables. We don't spend money on marketing or polished brochures because the research is what matters. People know us in Bhimtal as the place where the fish experts work. It’s a simple, dedicated environment. We just do our tasks and keep the facility running as best as we can every day.