A Fish Sanctuary at Nongkhnum river island was inaugurated by Fisheries Minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare in Nongkhnum, West Khasi Hills District today.
The fish sanctuary was jointly sponsored by the Blue Revolution of Rs 4 lakh and the Fish Farmer Development Agency bearing the expenditure of 2,57,400 lakh.
Speaking during the function organised by the Fisheries Department, Lamare said the fish sanctuary is meant to encourage the preservation of fish and to help different varieties thrive so as to increase the production and meet the requirement of the State.
He informed that the state has 159 fish species which needs to be preserved.
Lamare further said that fish sanctuaries attract tourists and would promote tourism in West Khasi Hills. He also urged local villagers, leaders and NGOs to be responsible to conserve and protect the sanctuary, especially the fishes.
Nongstoiñ MLA, Macmillan Byrsat who also attended the function reminded the local heads about the United Khasi Jaiñtia Hills Fishery Act 1954, to preserve the aquatic life as well as flora and fauna of the State.
He urged the local people to take care of the facilities offered by the government for the wellbeing of people in particular and the state.
Director Fisheries, A.L.Mawlong, BDO Nongstoiñ, C.P.Mawkon, members of the Nongkhnum Area Village Cooperative Societies besides others were present at the function.
