Rs 25-Crore Integrated Aqua Park to Be Set Up at Nadaun: Major Boost to Himachal’s Rural Economy and Fisheries Sector.
Shimla:
In a significant step towards strengthening the rural economy and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the Himachal Pradesh Government has announced the establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park at Nadaun with an estimated investment of Rs 25 crore. The project aims to revolutionize the fisheries sector by creating employment opportunities, encouraging self-employment, and transforming aquaculture into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the park has been prepared by ICAR–CIFA, Bhubaneswar, and suitable land for the project has already been identified. The proposed Aqua Park will serve as a hub for training, technology dissemination, and modern aquaculture development, focusing on enhancing fish production and farmers’ profitability.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the Aqua Park will include modern hatcheries for carps and catfishes, nursery and rearing units, broodstock raising facilities, and advanced aquaculture systems such as Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS). It will also have a feed mill, ornamental fish rearing units, a public aquarium, aqua shop, training complex, quarantine lab, and an effluent treatment plant.
The park will focus on producing high-quality seeds of Indian Major Carps (Rohu–Jayanti Rohu, Catla–Amrit Catla, Mrigal), Exotic Carps (Hungarian and Amur strains), Minor Carps (Kulwans), Catfishes (Pangasius, Murrels), and Ornamental Fishes (Gold Fish, Koi Carp, Guppy, Molly).
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment to empowering rural communities through innovation and modern technology.
“Strengthening the rural economy remains a key priority for the State Government, and the fisheries sector can play a pivotal role in enhancing farmers’ income. The department has been directed to promote modern aquaculture practices to ensure that farmers receive remunerative returns for their hard work,” said the Chief Minister.
The Integrated Aqua Park is expected to emerge as a model centre for aquaculture excellence, providing hands-on training to unemployed youth, encouraging entrepreneurship, and contributing significantly to the blue economy of Himachal Pradesh.
