TURA: Executive Member, in charge of Forest, GHADC, Righteous N Sangma on Friday inaugurated the community Fish Sanctuary at Chigitchakgre village in West Garo Hills. 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.
Inaugurating the sanctuary at Bandra river (Bolmendu and Namingija wari), Sangma applauded the effort and awareness of the Nokmas and the community towards conservation of natural resources. Appreciating the support of IBDLP and Fishery Department on creating awareness on importance of aquaculture practices, he opined that simultaneously, conservation of catchment areas, afforestation programme, cleanliness campaigns etc., had 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 needed be imposed and sought 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, 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 could 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.
Pledge on conservation of the flora-fauna, water bodies and cleanliness was led by Marylisa K. Marak, Block Development Officer, Gambegre C & RD Block, who invited everyone to take the solemn pledge for clean, green and prosperous future.
Later at the close of the programme, the chief guest also released fingerlings.