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ICAR-CIFRI Ranches about 35,000 Indigenous Carp Fingerlings in the Lower Ganga to Enhance Biodiversity and Fishery Resources under NMCG Programme

09^th June, 2026
Daspara Ghat, Barrackpore ,W.B.
ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, organised a river ranching programme under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Phase-III project at Daspara Ghat, Barrackpore in the Lower Ganga on June 9, 2026. The programme aimed to promote the conservation of indigenous fish biodiversity, replenishment of Indian major carp stocks, strengthen the ecological sustainability and support sustainable riverine fisheries in the Ganga ecosystem.

As part of the ranching activity, 175 kg of Indian Major Carp (IMC), numbering about 35000fingerlings, comprising Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Calbasu were released into the Lower Ganga. The river ranching programme was carried out under the leadership of Dr. S. K. Manna, Project Coordinator of the NMCG (Phase III), in the esteemed presence of Dr. Devika Pillai, Assistant Director General (Inland Fisheries), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, and Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI. The event witnessed active participation from NMCG co-principal investigators, Heads of Divisions, scientists, technical personnel, project scholars, administrative staff, and field functionaries of the institute.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Devika Pillai highlighted importance of such scientific stock enhancement programmes in conserving aquatic biodiversity, enhancing riverine fisheries and livelihood of riverine fishers. She appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CIFRI in implementing evidence-based conservation interventions under the NMCG initiative for the sustainable management of the River Ganga.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, remarked, “River ranching is a scientifically proven approach for replenishing fish stocks and restoring ecological balance in riverine ecosystems. Through sustained stock enhancement programmes under the NMCGprogramme, ICAR-CIFRI remains committed to conserving rich fish biodiversity of the Ganga while supporting the livelihoods of dependent fishing communities.”