By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Expressing concern over the pollution of some of the important rivers in Meghalaya, State Planning Board (SPB) chairman Dr Donkupar Roy called upon the people and the State Government to take serious note about this environmental degradation and to protect and reclaim these rivers as part of the Aquaculture Mission.
“It pains me to see the rapid degeneration of the major rivers due to uncontrolled human activities,” Dr Roy said during the launching of the State Aquaculture Mission here on Monday.
The former Chief Minister recalled that there used to be plenty of fishes in these rivers which were really a treat to the eyes.
“But now there is not even a single fish since all have died due to the pollution,” Roy said.
While referring to the pollution of Myntdu and Lukha Rivers in Jaiñtia Hills due to unscientific mining, he said that he did not want rivers like Ranikor River and Wah Blei to face a similar fate.
Besides promoting fish rearing to increase the fish production in the State, the SPB Chairman felt that the Government needs to take serious steps to protect the various rivers in the State.
Meanwhile, Dr Roy said that the State Government needs to also equip the farmers with various technical knowhow on fish rearing.
“Unless the people are provided with basic training it is useless aim at making the State self sufficient in fish production,” the former Chief Minister said while adding that the Government should also help the people understand what pond size they should have to make the venture economically viable.
“I am aware that if the ponds are too small it would be difficult for the farmers to recover their investments,” he said.
Dr Roy also emphasized on the need to have a proper marketing strategy for the fish produced by fish farmers.
“We have experienced in the past that marketing is a huge problem,” SPB chairman said.
He also suggested that the State Government develop its own nurseries for producing fingerlings adding that this would bring down the cost for the farmers.