Lahalein village makes history: Inaugurates first-ever Fish Eco Hatchery under MGNREGA

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 10, 2024

In a momentous occasion for Lahalein village, nestled along the Indo-Bangladesh border within the picturesque East Jaintia Hills District, a state-of-the-art Fish Eco Hatchery was inaugurated on Friday. This groundbreaking endeavor, an initiative of the District Administration and realised through the convergence of MGNREGA and MBDA, marks a significant leap forward in aquaculture development.

The inauguration ceremony, graced by the Sutnga-Saipung Legislator, Santa Mary Shylla, as the chief guest, exemplifies a shared commitment towards fostering sustainable livelihoods and enhancing economic opportunities in the region. She expressed her appreciation to the Office of the Superintendent of Fisheries, East Jaintia Hills District and to the members of Lahalein VEC for their collective efforts towards completing the first-ever Fish Eco Hatchery.

Shylla also congratulated L Tynsong, a local fish farmer whose continuing efforts have inspired many others, expressing hope that people of the area would follow his footsteps and ensure that the hatchery at Lahalein becomes the fishery hub of East Jaintia Hills District.

Furthermore, emphasizing the imperative of community engagement, Shylla underscored the need for active participation to ensure the seamless operation and effective marketing of fingerlings, thereby fostering sustainable growth and prosperity.

At the helm of this transformative project stands Superintendent of Fisheries, Hubert Kharbuki, whose visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in realising the Fish Eco Hatchery in accordance with stringent NFDB specifications. With a capacity to yield 1.5 – 2 million fingerlings annually, this state-of-the-art facility holds the promise of generating substantial revenue, estimated at Rs 3-4 crore per annum.

Moreover, the seamless integration of the hatchery with expansive nursery and brood stock ponds spanning over 10 hectares underscores its pivotal role in meeting the burgeoning demand for fingerlings and fish seeds not only within East Jaintia Hills District but also in adjoining regions.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Abhilash Baranwal IAS, Superintendent of Fisheries, Hubert Kharbuki and District Project Management (DPM) Basin, H Blah, among others.

Echoing these sentiments, Deputy Commissioner Baranwal expressed profound gratitude to the Superintendent of Fisheries for spearheading this transformative initiative, highlighting its potential to provide employment opportunities for the district’s youth. He affirmed the district’s commitment to nurturing Lahalein as the epicenter of aquaculture excellence within East Jaintia Hills District.

The inauguration of the Fish Eco Hatchery at Lahalein Village stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and collective action in driving meaningful change. As the first-ever hatchery constructed under the MGNREGA scheme, it heralds a new era of sustainable development, poised to empower communities and transform lives for generations to come.