Ramgarh: Chandan Kumar, the Deputy Commissioner of Ramgarh, has approved a sum of Rs 3.86 crore for the establishment of fish farming operations in four disused mines owned by Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) in the Mandu and Patratu blocks of Ramgarh district. These former coal mines, now transformed into water reservoirs, offer an opportunity for local village youth to engage in fish farming and secure employment.

The initiative will involve the formation of cooperative societies comprising village youth, which will receive backing from the district fishery department and the district administration. The selection of four abandoned mines has been done by the district fishery department: Ara coal pit numbers 8 and 14 within the Kuju area of CCL in the Mandu block, and Sayal coal pit and Saunda-D coal pit in the Barka-Sayal area of CCL in the Patratu block.

This step follows the notable success of fish farming undertaken by the Kuju fishery cooperative society in the Ara coal pit. Officials emphasize the potential for fish farming in the abandoned coal mines of Ramgarh district.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that this endeavour is designed to foster and support cooperative societies of unemployed youth residing near the coal mines, aiming to generate employment for around 250 young individuals.

The district is actively identifying more such closed coal pits under the ownership of CCL to expand fish farming. Officials anticipate that Ramgarh district will emerge as a significant fish supplier to nearby cities and even other states, leveraging its advantageous road and rail connectivity.