Manipur launches ambitious river ranching initiative across 12 major rivers

The Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur, has inaugurated 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) under the PMMSY scheme, seeks to address declining fish populations and enhance the livelihoods of local fishers.

The programme began on July 20, 2024, with the release of Indian Major carp species (Rohu, Mrigal, and Catla) and indigenous fish like Pengba, Ngaton, and Khabak into the Imphal and Nambul rivers in Imphal East and Imphal West districts. On July 21, Mrs. SS. Olish, MLA of Chandel Assembly Constituency, spearheaded the ranching efforts at Chakpi River, joined by district officials and tribal leaders.

Further efforts on July 24 and 25 saw similar activities in Thoubal and Barak rivers, and the Khuga River in Churachandpur district. To date, over 10 lakh fish fingerlings have been released.

State Fisheries Director H. Balkrisna Singh outlined 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. This ambitious project is expected to significantly bolster fish populations and support local fisheries.