How Have Abandoned Coal Mines in Jharkhand Become Thriving Fish Farms?

Ramgarh (Jharkhand), June 28 (NationPress) Once neglected and filled with stagnant water, the abandoned coal mines in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand have transformed into vibrant fish farms, thanks to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Local residents are now engaging in cage fish farming, generating significant income and creating job opportunities.

In an interview with IANS, Arup Kumar Choudhary, the District Fisheries Officer of Ramgarh, stated, "These coal mines had been lying dormant for years, filled with standing water. With the introduction of cage culture, initially practiced in reservoirs, locals identified a new avenue for livelihood through fish farming. They requested the installation of cages in these mines to initiate local employment."

Choudhary further mentioned that many residents were already skilled in fish farming.

During a government pilot initiative in 2013-14, a cage battery was set up in a defunct mine to evaluate the feasibility of cage culture, he noted.

"The community adopted the reservoir model, and it proved successful in the mining context as well. This success encouraged the state government to grant full permission for the expansion of fish farming in the mines," he added.

Supported by district and state-level schemes, along with initiatives from the Jharkhand government, numerous local families are now involved in cage farming.

The fish harvested here is not only sold within Jharkhand but is also supplied to neighboring districts in Bihar, including Gaya and Sasaram.

Choudhary noted, "These projects are now a reliable income source for many families, providing job opportunities in production, supply, and marketing."

One significant beneficiary, Shashikant Mahato from Aara Basti village in Ramgarh, shared his experience with cage fish farming under the PMMSY. He recounted, "This mine was closed in 1999 and remained unused for years. In 2010, we started releasing fish seeds using our own funds. The results were fantastic — we harvested up to 27 quintals of fish!"

"In 2012, we initiated cage culture with 68 cages in one mine. Now, another mine has opened, employing around 20 people. Nearly 100 families in our village are benefiting from this project. Our village has about 250 homes, and fish farming supports more than 100 families," he elaborated.

Mahato also discussed the growth of the initiative.

"Every year, around four to six more households join. I believe our entire village will soon be connected to the fisheries department through this program," he said.

With the government's assistance, they have procured an insulated van for transporting fish, enhancing marketing and supply.

"We are producing approximately 40 to 60 tonnes of fish annually, with everyone earning between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh per year. Thanks to the PMMSY, we are now operating efficiently and attracting youth to the fisheries sector," Mahato concluded proudly.

This remarkable transformation of defunct mines into prosperous fish farms is not only revitalizing the local economy but also exemplifying sustainable livelihood development in resource-depleted regions.