NONGSTOIN, Feb 10: Fisheries Minister Dasakhaitbha Lamare on Wednesday inaugurated a fish sanctuary at Nongkhnum in West Khasi Hills.
Jointly sponsored by the Blue Revolution for Rs 4 lakh and under the Fish Farmer Development Agency at a cost of 2.57 crore, the sanctuary will aim at preserving and producing local fish species besides increasing the production to meet the state’s requirement, the minister informed.
As many as 159 fish species are present in different parts of the state, which need to be preserved for the future generation, he added.
Lamare expressed hope that the sanctuary will attract tourists, which, in turn, will promote tourism and also better the economic condition of the people in the region.
He also called upon the NGOs, village leaders besides residents to be responsible towards protecting the infrastructure.
On the other hand, Nongstoin MLA Macmillan Byrsat, in his speech, informed that the Nongkhnum is the second-largest river island in Asia after Majuli River Island.
He reminded the local heads about the various laws which entrusts the local authorities to preserve the flora and fauna of the state.
