Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 1016/17

COMMUNITY FISH SANCTUARY INAUGURATED AT GAMBEGRE

The community Fish Sanctuary at Chigitchakgre village was inaugurated by Executive Member, incharge Forest, GHADC, Shri R N Sangma on Friday. The initiative was undertaken jointly by IBDLP and Fishery Department with the support of the community and the office of the Gambegre C & RD Block.

It may be mentioned that the Nokmas and community from Chigitchakgre and Dolamandagre village were jubilant on this auspicious occasion of the inauguration of the community fish sanctuary located at Chigitchakgre village, Gambegre C & RD block, West Garo Hills District. Nokmas in full participation of the community resolved to conserve the flora –fauna and aqua life in their Aking land towards betterment and future of the people residing.

Inaugurating the sanctuary at Bandra river (Bolmendu and Namingija wari), the Chief Guest Shri Righteous N. Sangma applauded the effort and awareness of the Nokmas and the community towards conservation of natural resources. Appreciating the support of IBDLP and Fishery Dept. on creating awareness on importance of aquaculture practices, he opined that simultaneously, conservation of catchment areas, afforestation programme, cleanliness campaigns etc. to be undertaken for holistic development in the region and natural resources utilisation. He added that, with the opening of fish sanctuary, certain rules and regulation need to be imposed and seeks participation of community from upper stream and lower stream of Bandra river for protection and conservation of aqua lives in larger area.

Supporting the initiative, Smt Sadhiarani M. Sangma, Chairman GHADC who was also present on the occasion as special guest, congratulated the community on the noble effort of the conservation of fish through the intervention of fish sanctuary. She said that the site can be more promoted as tourist destination wherein entrepreneurship activities can flourish and tourism sector can improve giving opportunity for better livelihood to the people.

V.Valentine Hembrom, District Project Manager, IBDLP Tura during his keynote address shared on IBDLP activities and various enterprising missions where in greater participation of community can take part, apart from aquaculture activities. He invited the Nokmas and the community for social agreement and partnership with them on several development programmes of the government. Grikjang Marak, Fishery Officer, Gambegre block apprised the community on the best practices in aquaculture and informed the community on the various schemes under fishery intervention namely Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission, Special Plan Assistance (SPA), Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY), Area Expansion Scheme under community water body and promotion of fish sanctuaries and eco-hatcheries. Pledge on conservation of the flora-fauna, water bodies and cleanliness was led by Smt. Marylisa K. Marak, Block Development Officer, Gambegre C & RD Block, who invited everyone to take the solemn pledge for clean, green and prosperous future.

The programme had huge participation of community coming from the neighbouring villages. SHGs, youth clubs, church leaders, school teachers, local entrepreneurs etc attended the event. Representatives from line departments, Block Development Office, ACFs from GHADC and others also witnessed the programme. The community also shared their memorandum and proposed activities to be undertaken in the course of time with support from department and agencies. Others who facilitated and spoke during the workshop were Shri Tresbirth Ch. Marak, ERP Gambegre, Shri Jengman M Sangma, Secretary Aminda Rangsa Eco-Tourism Cooperative Society, Shri Lithin Ch Marak, Nokma Chigitchakgre village, Shri Wilseng A Sangma, representative Chigitchakgre village and Shri Benjamin Rema, Coordinator FAsCE India, Garo Hills. The chief guest also released fingerlings at the close of the event.