YAZALI, OCT 26:

The Department of Fisheries, Keyi Panyor district, released more than four lakh fish fingerlings into the Ranganadi Reservoir at Yazali under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on Monday to replenish fish stocks and promote sustainable fisheries.

The fingerlings included Indian major carps such as catla, rohu and mrigal, exotic carps such as grass carp and common carp, and other species.

The programme was attended by Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung, ADC Tajing Padu, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nabam Piju, ZPM Paramputu Khoda Lelu, Assistant Director of Fisheries Nabam Tania, departmental heads, public leaders and members of the Fishermen Cooperative Society.

District Fisheries Development Officer Chiging Yadi highlighted the importance and potential of reservoir fisheries in the district, while ADC Tajing Padu appreciated the department’s efforts and stressed sustainable management through community participation.

Tatung assured support for the welfare of the fishing community and urged fishermen to protect the reservoir against illegal practices, including the use of chemicals and dynamite. He also emphasised better promotion and marketing of their produce and appreciated the initiative to link reservoirs with fishermen’s cooperative societies for collective production and marketing.

The department said the reservoir’s fish stocks had been declining due to overfishing, climate change and illegal fishing practices. The ranching programme aims to replenish fish populations, restore ecological balance and ensure an affordable supply of quality protein for local communities.

It was also announced that the Ranganadi Reservoir would be leased to the local Fishermen Cooperative Society of Yazali under PMMSY to facilitate scientific management, protection and marketing, while providing direct livelihood benefits to local fishermen.

Assistant Fisheries Officer Nevash Gollo delivered the vote of thanks, followed by the ceremonial release of fingerlings by the dignitaries. (DIPR)