Shillong, Dec 6: In a push to expand Meghalaya’s eco-tourism footprint, Fisheries, Tourism and Agriculture Minister T.D. Shira on Saturday inaugurated the state’s latest recreational fisheries project—“Mountain Lake”—at Katongre in North Garo Hills. Designed to blend conservation, tourism, and rural livelihood generation, the ₹50-lakh project is expected to emerge as a marquee angling and nature tourism destination.
Developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with 60% state funding and 40% beneficiary contribution, the initiative offers facilities for angling, boating, and family recreation amid the pristine natural setting of Bajengdoba C&RD Block. The project is being managed by local entrepreneur Smt. Presdalline Momin, supported by a community-led committee.
Calling the launch a “transformative step for rural livelihoods,” Shira said the project is poised to generate sustainable income for local communities while promoting fish biodiversity conservation and awareness on aquatic ecology.
“Recreational fisheries and angling tourism can open new avenues of livelihood. This project will boost tourism, enhance fish production, and become a model for community-led eco-tourism,” he said.
The Minister urged residents to take collective ownership of the site, maintain cleanliness, and beautify the approach roads by planting ornamental trees. He also highlighted state welfare schemes including FOCUS, FOCUS+, and CM Elevate, encouraging communities to tap into these programmes to strengthen their income base.
Bajengdoba MLA Pongseng R. Marak lauded the project as a crucial intervention for conserving endangered aquatic species while simultaneously unlocking tourism potential in North Garo Hills.
“This is not just a tourism project—it is a conservation effort that will benefit both nature and the local economy,” he said.
Top district officials, including Fisheries Director A. Mawlong, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhishek Saini, and Superintendent of Police Pawar Swapnil Vasantrao, attended the event, which concluded with the ceremonial release of fish fingerlings into the lake.
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