By Our Reporter
Shillong, March 27: The four fishing ponds owned by the KHADC in Lailad, Ri Bhoi district, generated a minimal income of Rs 9,500 in revenue for the council in 2017 and 2019.
The income is surprising given that eight council staff were assigned to manage these ponds, along with an official staff quarter and a go-down located on the council’s property at Lailad.
During the Question Hour on the final day of the Council budget session on Friday, NPP MDC from Nongpoh, Rona Khymdeit, raised concerns about the issue.
In response, the Executive Member in charge of the Fisheries department, Isynei Hinge informed the council that there are four fishing ponds on the property. He reported that the revenue collected from these ponds amounted to Rs 2,000 in 2017 and Rs 7,500 in 2019.
He also informed the presence of a staff quarter and a go-down at the Lailad site.
Expressing concern over the low revenue, Khymdeit emphasized that the executive committee should prioritize the fisheries sector since it has the potential to generate significant funds for the council.
“Allocating funds to the fisheries sector simply because it falls under our responsibilities is not the right approach,” Khymdeit remarked.
She added that it was surprising to see such minimal returns despite substantial investments made in the four fishing ponds.
Khymdeit also highlighted the state government’s efforts to support individual fish farmers and groups in Ri Bhoi to boost fish production and meet the state’s demand.
She noted that Ri Bhoi’s favourable weather conditions make it ideal for fish farming.
The NPP MDC from Nongpoh suggested that the EC reassess its approach to revamping the fisheries department to help improve revenue generation for the council.