Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli directed the officers of Fisheries Department to work with utmost dedication and gear up their field functionaries to accelerate the work on all fixed objectives with regard to the implementation of centrally and state sponsored schemes.While chairing a meeting with officers of Fisheries Department, the Minister directed them to achieve 100 per cent fixed targets and utilize the earmarked funds for the year 2017-18 in full.Taking stock of the achievements registered under various schemes including RKVY, AATMA and Blue Revolution programme, the Minister was informed that the construction work on various development works including upgradation of fish ponds is going on at the fast pace.It was also informed that an amount of Rs 4.44 crore have been incurred against the total earmarked current year’s budget allocation of Rs. 5.34 crore on various schemes so far. It was also informed that there are 689 fish rearing ponds of Crap and Trout in Jammu division.The Minister directed the concerned to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for construction of new ponds, hatcheries and establishment of offices and submit the same to the concerned quarters for accord of necessary sanction.He asked the department to create awareness among the general masses about the welfare programmes, financial assistance and other incentives being provided by the government for establishment of fish ponds.
Stressing on the need to motivate fish rearers for setting up their own fish ponds, the Minister said there are natural water resources for fish rearing but latest techniques should be adopted to boost the fish culture in the state.Related to Fish Aquarium at Bahu Fort, it was informed that 4 lakh visitors visited the Aquarium during 2016-17 and revenue of Rs. 87 lakh was generated during the period. During the current fiscal year, 4.53 lakh visitors have visited the Aquarium so far and earned revenue of Rs. 83 lakh, the meeting was informed.It was also informed in the meeting that against the revenue target of Rs 6.38 crore, an income of Rs.4.57 crore has been generated till date. The Minister asked the concerned to achieve cent percent fixed targets and ensure that the benefits of centrally sponsored and state sector schemes reach to the deserving lot well in time.The Minister called for giving wide publicity about the Aquarium through Radio, TV and print media so that maximum visitors come to share their experience with the life forms of the underwater world.Taking stock of staff position, the Minister asked the concerned to prepare seniority lists of Gazetted and Non-Gazetted employees immediately and instructed them to conduct Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings to ensure timely promotions under different categories to avoid stagnations.Commissioner Secretary, ASH R.K Bhagat, Director, Fisheries R.N Pandita and other officers of the department were present in the meeting.