VVD, AFFS aim to restore indigenous 'Khaivak'
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, July 22 2022:
In a bid to restore the indigenous fish species, Volunteers for Village Development (VVD) Ukhrul, an Ukhrul-based NGO and Aheng Fish Farmers' Society (AFFS) of Tora village in western Ukhrul on Friday
released over three lakh fingerlings and spawn of 'Khaivak' ('Khabak' in Manipuri) into Iril river.
The initiative of releasing the fish spawn and fingerlings was taken up during a oneday 'Exhibition cum Restoration of Indigenous Fish of Iril River' jointly organised by VVD Ukhrul and AFFS on the bank of Iril river in Tora village on Friday.
The initiative seeks to restore the indigenous fish species which has disappeared from the river in the face of unrestrained and unhealthy fishing practices involving use of dynamites and chemicals.
VVD Ukhrul project manager Jubilate Kazingmei kicked off the river ranching programme by releasing the fingerlings into Iril river in the presence of AFFS chairman Joseph Keishing, Tora village headman Wungshangshim, fisheries technician Mungthing Ruivah, AFFS
members and headmen and church leaders from neighbouring villages.
AFFS offered the spawn and fingerlings of the fish species which were collected from its hatchery set up at Tora village under LM Block.
Speaking on the occasion, Jubilate Kazingmei lauded the AFFS for initiating the move to restore the endangered fish species which were found abundantly in the past.
He stated that the society, through its actions, has shown that it is dedicated to the restoration and conservation of fish and their environment.
"I'm happy that the society has made the first significant move towards promoting sustainable harvest of aquatic species and natural resources.
This is what we have been working for years to create awareness and prompt positive remedial actions among the people at the grassroots,"
he said.
He mentioned that the release of the fingerlings is critical to the success of their restoration programme.
"Given their natural habitat and migration patterns, indigenous fish populations
in Ukhrul district are particularly sensitive to the impacts of humans and their actions.
With this step, we aim to enhance the overall ecological health of the river and its associated habitats, and to promote aquatic species of Iril River," he informed.
He also urged the villagers to have their own production of essential commodities rather than depending on others for their daily needs.
At the same time, Kazingmei expressed concern over the degrading state of rivers and the environment in the district and urged the villagers to develop a sense of belonging towards the forests and the nature.
AFFS chairman Joseph Keishing conveyed that the society is committed to restoring all the indigenous fish species of Iril river and this prompted it to initiate river ranching of different indigenous fish species.
"This is the second phase of releasing fingerlings in the river.
Earlier in April this year, we released around three lakh common carp species in this river," he said.
Joseph Keishing, who is a retired CRPF commandant, informed that the society also runs a hatchery in the village.
"We provide fish spawn and fingerlings at lowest possible prices to fish farmers in different parts of the district since the last few years.
Our objective is to augment fisheries production and promote self-sufficiency among the villagers through fishery development," he mentioned.
Fisheries technician
Mungthing Ruivah, who plays a pivotal role in the production of spawn and fingerlings of the society, appealed to all the headmen and public leaders from the neighbouring villages to dissuade their
villagers from fishing using dynamites and chemicals which is responsible for the quick disappearance of the indigenous aquatic species.
During the programme, a public interaction and discussion on the ways to improve the aquatic species and the forests in the region was also held.