Revitalizing Abandoned Mines: CCL’s Fish Farming Initiative for Sustainable Development
Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is transforming abandoned mine pits into thriving fish farms, driving economic empowerment and fostering biodiversity. This innovative approach, supported by the Ministry of Coal, focuses on utilizing natural resources sustainably and uplifting local communities in Jharkhand. CCL’s pisciculture projects are designed not only to provide alternative livelihoods but also to boost fish production, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.
Addressing Socio-Economic and Environmental Challenges
CCL’s fish farming initiative is more than just a commercial venture; it represents a holistic approach to sustainable development. These projects tackle multiple challenges, including economic hardship in local communities and the need for environmentally responsible land use. By converting water-filled abandoned pits into fish farms, CCL offers an additional income source to local populations while promoting ecological balance.
The initiative spans five key projects across Jharkhand, each producing a variety of fish species like Pangasius, Rohu, Tilapia, and Katla. These efforts have directly benefited hundreds of families, providing a much-needed boost to both household incomes and regional fish production.
Key Projects
1. Religara Pisciculture Project: Located in Hazaribagh’s Argada Area, this project covers 9.71 hectares and supports 20 fish cages. The project yields approximately 9.6 tonnes of fish annually, benefiting around 100 local villagers from Religara and Baskudra.
2. Gidi A Pisciculture Project: Spanning 28 hectares in the same region, Gidi A has installed 22 fish cages with an annual production of 0.72 tonnes in its initial year. Plans for expansion include beautification efforts with a budget of ₹45 lakhs and a proposal to designate the site as a Ramsar wetland, recognizing its ecological significance.
3. Bokaro OCP Pisciculture Project: This 4.22-hectare site produces 81 tonnes of fish annually with 27 fish cages. The project has become a cornerstone for the local community, benefiting 30 families by creating sustainable income and contributing to the area’s fish production.
4. Central Saunda Pisciculture Project: Located in the Barkasayal Area, this project features 40 fish cages dedicated to Tilapia species. Established in November 2023, it is set to provide significant economic opportunities to approximately 250 local villagers.
5. Karkatta A and Karkatta C Projects: These two projects are vital contributors to regional aquaculture. Karkatta A spans 1.8 hectares and produces 200 tonnes of fish annually with 15 cages, while Karkatta C, covering 4.5 hectares, houses 50 cages and will yield an impressive 800 tonnes per year.
Boosting Community Empowerment and Biodiversity
These fish farming projects represent a significant leap towards sustainable industrial practices, with both environmental and social benefits. By converting abandoned mine pits into productive fish farms, CCL supports regional development while conserving water bodies and enhancing local biodiversity.
Beyond economic benefits, the project also plays a crucial role in regional ecological restoration. The initiative aligns with CCL’s commitment to environmental responsibility, turning former industrial sites into thriving ecosystems. The local villagers are not only engaged in fish farming but also play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance, making this project a community-driven success.
A Model for Sustainable Industrial Practices
As CCL continues to expand these projects, it sets an example for sustainable industrial practices in the coal sector. By integrating community welfare with ecological conservation, CCL has demonstrated how abandoned industrial sites can be repurposed for long-term benefits. With more projects slated for completion by 2025, the company is paving the way for a balanced approach to development—one that ensures both economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, CCL’s pisciculture projects are reshaping abandoned mining landscapes into prosperous hubs for community empowerment and biodiversity. This initiative is not only uplifting rural economies but also promoting sustainable industrial practices, making it a win-win for both the environment and the local population.
