Under the unique CSR initiative to improve livelihood of the fisherman living in the vicinity of Mandira Dam, SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) in collaboration with Fisheries Department, Government of Odisha, has released 1.40 Lakh fingerlings in the backwaters of Mandira Reservoir. The fingerlings worth Rs. 2.0 Lakhs were released in Laing area and Dumerjore area in two separate programmes organized on 7th December, 2024.
The fingerlings release aims to provide a sustainable source of income for the local community, predominantly fishermen. The fingerlings, comprising four key species – Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, and Bhakur are expected to mature into table-size fish within 1-2 years, contributing to the economic well-being of the villagers.
The program at Laing Area was attended by Ms. Munmun Mittra, GM In-Charge (CSR), Shri T. B. Toppo, AGM (CSR), Ms. Richa Sudhiram, Manager (CSR), and other CSR officials, while the Dumerjore area event witnessed the presence of Mr. Bivabasu Malik, GM (CSR), and Mr. A.N. Pati, AGM (CSR), along with their team. Smt. Rinku Toppo, Senior Technical Fisheries Assistant cum Project Officer, Fisheries Department, Government of Odisha, Sarpanchs & Zilla Parishad Members of the respective areas, Primary Fishermen Cooperative Society members and large number of villagers were present in both the programmes.
This initiative builds on a previous CSR project of RSP launched in November 2021 by RSP in collaboration with the Fisheries Department of Govt. of Odisha ,which saw the release of about 2.25 lakh fingerlings over two years. Subsequently, a further 7.00 lakhs fingerlings were released in the backwaters of the dam in FY 2022-23. The local fishermen have also been imparted training and fishing net and life jackets have been distributed to them to enhance their knowledge and skill as well as supplement their earnings.
The fresh stocking of the fingerlings in the Mandira Dam Reservoir will further augment fish farming and promote pisciculture thereby increasing the income of the fishermen of the vicinity.
