Directorate of Fisheries takes up river ranching programme in 12 major rivers
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 26 2024: The Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur, has taken up a comprehensive River Ranching Programme aimed at revitalizing fish stocks across the State's 12 major rivers.

This initiative, sponsored by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad under the PMMSY scheme, seeks to address the declining fish populations and enhance the livelihoods of local fishers.

The river ranching programme will be carried out in 12 major rivers namely Imphal, Nambul, Thoubal, Nambol, Barak, Chakpi, Iril, Irang, Makru, Khuga, Maha and Sekmai in 7 districts of Manipur by liberating Indian Major carp (Rohu, Mrigal and Catla) and indigenous fish species (Pengba, Ngaton and Khabak) .

The ranching began on July 20, 2024 in Imphal and Nambul rivers in Imphal East and Imphal West districts.

On July 21, Chandel Assembly Constituency MLA SS Olish spearheaded the ranching efforts at Chakpi River, joined by District Level Officers and tribal leaders.

On July 24, Indian Major carp and indigenous fish species were liberated in Thoubal river which originates from Ukhrul district.

Similar programme was also organised at Barak and Senapati rivers in Senapati district and Khuga river in Churachandpur district on July 25.To date, over 10 lakh fish fingerlings have been released.

State Fisheries Director H Balkrisna Singh said that the programme aims to release approximately 30 lakh fingerlings by the end of July 2024, covering key rivers in Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Chandel, and Tamenglong districts.

He also shared that this ambitious project is expected to significantly bolster fish populations and support local fisheries.

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