T. Nandakumar Thiruvananthapuram: A proposal mooted by the Fisheries Department to release Indian Major Carps in reservoirs in Kerala has met with strong opposition from conservationists and environmental activists who fear it may lead to the eventual extermination of indigenous species and whittle down the aquatic biodiversity in the Western Ghats. The proposal, to be funded by the Central government under a project to promote inland fisheries, seeks to stock 16 reservoirs including Kallada, Kakki, Pampa, Anayirangal, Neriyamangalam, Ponmudi, Kandala, Shenkulam, Mattupetti, Bhootathankettu, Peringalkuthu, Sholayar, Parambikkulam, Karapuzha, Banasurasagar and Pazhassi with carp. Conservationists feel that the proposed introduction of the carps, which are highly competitive and voracious feeders, would wipe out highly-threatened indigenous fish fauna as well as other aquatic organisms.