As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) 2024–2025, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Nagaland, conducted an awareness and river ranching programme at Chichung River, Mokokchung, on Thursday, 19 June where one lakh fingerlings were released into the river system.
Addressing the gathering, Director of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Rongsennungba, highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to promote and develop the fishery sector in the state despite limited resources. He called on Longsa village — the host of the programme — and neighbouring villages Milong, Chubayimkum, and Moalenden to safeguard the aquatic ecosystem from unethical and destructive fishing practices.
“We must protect our rivers from unethical foraging,” he said, urging village councils to enforce a total ban on fishing during breeding seasons. If fishing is to be allowed in the future, he added, only traditional methods should be permitted, saying, “What we preserve today is for posterity.”
Rongsennungba also thanked the village councils, officials from various departments, and Fisheries staff for their support in organising the programme.
Short speeches were delivered by Bendang Tatar on behalf of Longsa Village Council; Joint Director, SARS, Lipokonen Jamir; Joint Director, Fisheries & AR, Ketusielie Angami; BDO Kazupokba; and representatives from neighbouring village councils. The program was chaired by Dr Rongsenkumzuk, Deputy Director, Fisheries & AR.