Jharkhand News: Panchayat-Level Government Ponds to Be Managed by Local Communities – Shilpi Neha Tirkey

Ranchi: Focus on Local Empowerment in Pond Management

Ranchi, December 16, 2024: In a significant move to empower local communities, Jharkhand’s government has announced that the management of panchayat-level government ponds will now be restricted to local residents. Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey shared this during her surprise inspection of the Fisheries Directorate in Doranda and the Fisheries Research Center in Dhurwa on Monday.

The decision aims to ensure that only residents of the respective panchayats can bid for and manage these ponds, fostering local employment and community participation in fisheries management. The minister also directed officials to draft new guidelines to formalize this process, barring individuals from other districts from participating in the bidding for these ponds.

Panchayat-Level Pond Management Rules to Be Revised

During her inspection, Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey emphasized the importance of localizing pond management. She stated that the new guidelines would prioritize cooperative societies within the panchayat, enabling them to take charge of fisheries operations.

Currently, Jharkhand has approximately 12,580 government ponds, with around 1,000 located in Ranchi. To streamline the process, the minister has asked for district-wise data on these ponds. This data will help in creating rules that align with the needs of local communities.

The new rules aim to strengthen local cooperatives by revising the existing requirement of 300 members per cooperative. Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey suggested forming smaller cooperatives to make it easier for villagers to participate and benefit from these initiatives.

Boosting Local Employment Through Fisheries Management

The move to restrict pond management to local communities is expected to generate significant employment opportunities. By involving local cooperative societies and women’s self-help groups (SHGs), the government plans to promote sustainable fish farming practices while creating jobs at the grassroots level.

Shilpi Neha Tirkey highlighted the role of the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) in integrating women SHGs into fisheries management. Initially, SHGs from Ranchi and Hazaribagh districts will be trained and involved in fish farming projects, with plans to expand the initiative statewide.

Inspection Highlights: Addressing Operational Challenges

During her visit to the Fisheries Directorate and Research Center, the minister expressed dissatisfaction with the poor upkeep of facilities. Issues such as unhygienic conditions, the use of plastic and inadequate visitor amenities were noted. Shilpi Neha Tirkey instructed officials to address these concerns within 10 days.

The minister also reviewed attendance records and urged employees to improve their work culture. She emphasized the importance of maintaining operational efficiency to support fisheries development in the state.

Focus on Fish Seed Distribution and Training Programs

Jharkhand has set a target of releasing 2,500 lakh fish seeds this year. However, only 1,646 lakh fish seeds have been distributed so far, with the lowest distribution recorded in Lohardaga at 60 lakh. Shilpi Neha Tirkey directed officials to increase fish seed distribution and submit a detailed report by Tuesday.

The Fisheries Research Center in Dhurwa is also playing a key role in training farmers and women SHGs in fish farming techniques. Shilpi Neha Tirkey interacted with trainees and highlighted fish farming as a viable source of income for rural communities.

A Step Towards Sustainable Fisheries Management

This initiative marks a shift towards sustainable fisheries management in Jharkhand. By prioritizing local communities and cooperatives, the government aims to enhance livelihoods while ensuring efficient utilization of water resources.

The move is expected to bring long-term benefits to rural areas, fostering self-reliance and economic growth through community-driven initiatives.