River ranching programme initiated in 12 major rivers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 26 2024: Directorate of Fisheries has taken up River Ranching programme in 12 major rivers namely, Imphal, Nambul, Thoubal, Nambol, Barak, Chakpi, Iril, Irang, Makru, Khuga, Maha and Sekmai in seven districts by liberating Indian Major Carp (IMC) such as Rohu, Mrigal and Catla and indigenous fish species (Pengba, Ngaton and Khabak).

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad has sponsored the programme which is a component of PMMSY scheme.

River Ranching is conducted with the objective of addressing the depleted fish stocks in rivers and improving the livelihood of fishermen in the state.

The first ranching commenced from July 20 in Imphal and Nambul Rivers in Imphal East and Imphal West districts.

Chandel MLA SS Olish conducted the river ranching programme at Chakpi River on July 21 in the presence of District Level Officers (DLOs) and tribal chiefs of various hill villages.

In Ukhrul district, IMC and indigenous fish species were liberated into the Thoubal river, which originates from Ukhrul district on July 24.Similar programmes were organised in Barak and Senapati rivers in Senapati district and Khuga river in Churachandpur district on July 25.As on date, more than 10 lakh fish fingerlings have been released.

Speaking about the programme, Fisheries director H Balkrisna Singh informed that the target for river ranching is about 30 lakh fingerlings.

The programme is being continued in major rivers, located in Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Chandel and Tamenglong districts and will culminate by the end of July.

Comment