IN a significant step toward enhancing fish production, processing, and tourism, Chhattisgarh is set to establish its first Aqua Park in the submergence zone of the Hasdeo-Bango reservoir. Being developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the ambitious project has received approval from the Government of India with a sanctioned amount of Rs 37 crore 10 lakh and 69 thousand. The park will be set up in the Etmanagar and Satrenga areas of Korba district. At Etmanagar, the Aqua Park will be equipped with a feed mill, fish processing plant, hatchery, and recirculatory aquaculture system, creating a complete ecosystem from fish production to export. The fish processing plant will facilitate cleaning, deboning, filleting, and high-quality packaging to meet export standards. The hatchery will focus on the production of superior quality fish seeds to support sustainable aquaculture. Satrenga will see the expansion of the Aqua Park with dedicated tourism infrastructure.

 

An aqua museum, angling desk, cafeteria, floating houses, and motorboats will be developed to attract visitors and promote awareness about freshwater fisheries. This location is poised to become a unique confluence of education, recreation, and culinary experiences centred around freshwater fish. Complementing this development, around 800 cages have already been installed in the Nimaukchhar area near Sarbhonka in the Hasdeo reservoir under the joint support of PMMSY and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). Through this initiative, 160 members from nine registered fisher cooperative societies have been selected, with each member allotted five cages for fish cultivation. Cage culture has brought visible economic change in the lives of local communities. On average, each participant is earning around Rs 88,000 annually. Members of the fisher cooperatives—Deepak Ram Manjhiwar, Amar Singh Manjhiwar, and Devmati Uikey—shared that the initiative has not only created employment but also significantly improved their financial conditions.

 

According to the Fisheries Department, the Hasdeo reservoir region currently produces approximately 1,600 metric tonnes of fish annually. This production is directly providing employment to 70-80 individuals daily, along with indirect livelihoods for 15-20 small-scale vendors. Tilapia and Pangasius (Basa) are the two major fish varieties being cultivated in the Hasdeo reservoir. Tilapia is a preferred species due to its low production cost, high nutritional value, and popularity in international markets, including the United States. Known for its resistance to disease, the species reaches marketable size within 6-8 months. Pangasius, on the other hand, is favoured for its fewer bones, making it highly popular among consumers. Officials believe the Aqua Park will not only advance fish farming and exports in Chhattisgarh but also position the state as an emerging destination for aqua-tourism. The initiative is expected to give a fresh identity to self-employment and economic development in the region. Most importantly, it aims to open up new, dignified, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities across the state.