Awareness and river ranching programme held at Chichung River

MOKOKCHUNG — The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, organised an ‘Awareness and river ranching programme’ under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme 2024-2025 at Chichung River, Mokokchung, on Thursday.

The event saw the release of one lakh fingerlings to boost the aquatic ecosystem.

Director of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Rongsennungba, in his address, said the department is investing all efforts to develop the fishery sector in the state despite limited resources.

He urged Longsa, the host village, and neighbouring Milong, Chubayimkum and Moalenden villages, to protect the river from unethical foraging.

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“Safeguard the aquatic ecosystem for future generations,” he said, advocating for strict fishing bans during breeding seasons and allowing only traditional fishing methods in the future.

Rongsennungba thanked the village councils, officers from various departments, and his colleagues for their support in ensuring the programme’s success.

Bendang Tatar, representing Longsa Village Council, along with Joint Director SARS Lipokonen Jamir, Joint Director Fisheries & AR Ketusielie Angami, Kazupokba BDO, and representatives from Milong, Chubayimkum, and Moalenden villages, delivered short speeches, where they reaffirmed to reinforce the need for sustainable practices.

The initiative aims to promote fishery development while fostering environmental stewardship and encouraging village councils to enforce regulations to protect the Chichung River’s ecosystem.