Foundation Stone Laid for Integrated Aquapark Worth INR 42.4 Crores to Boost Aquaculture Capacity in Northeast Region
On May 18, 2025, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar, Tripura. The event, held on May 19, 2025, was graced by several dignitaries, including Minister of State George Kurian, Tripura's Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das, and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy.
The Rs 42.4 crore project is being developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Four of the 11 Integrated Aquaparks planned nationwide are located in the Northeast, with Tripura being one of them. The project aims to enhance the region's aquaculture capacity and contribute to the upliftment of local fishers.
Tripura's Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das reaffirmed the state's commitment to this cause, emphasising the importance of focused schemes like the Matsya Sahayata Yojana. He also encouraged young people to explore fisheries as a viable livelihood option. Minister Singh, on the other hand, stressed the timely completion of the Aquapark project and the significance of institutional training for fish farmers.
Union Minister Singh highlighted the fisheries sector's role in strengthening India's rural economy, with a 9.08% annual growth rate since 2014-15. He set an ambitious goal for Tripura to achieve fish production of 2 lakh tonnes. Minister of State George Kurian emphasised the critical role of fisheries in Tripura's food security and economy, given that 98% of the state's population consumes fish.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, MoFAH&D, spoke about the central government's comprehensive investment in fisheries, including PMMSY, FIDF, and PMMKSSY, with a total budget outlay nearing Rs38,000 crore. She advocated for the adoption of advanced technologies like Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Biofloc, and drone applications.
The event also included the inauguration of a Fish Festival showcasing Tripura's aquatic biodiversity and cultural heritage. Projects worth Rs2,114 crore have been sanctioned for the Northeast, including Rs319 crore for Tripura alone. The Tripura government signed a lease agreement with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) for this project to boost fish production in the region.
Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, and Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, CEO of NFDB, were among the attendees, along with senior officials from both central and state departments. Tinku Roy, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, emphasised the need for collective action to improve livelihoods through fisheries development.
Dr. Likhi also emphasised the importance of insurance coverage and promoted the cultivation of high-value indigenous species like Pabda and Singhi. Minister Singh encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of government initiatives like the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and PMMSY.
The Integrated Aquapark project in Kailashahar, Tripura, is a significant step towards boosting fish production and uplifting local fishers in the region. The project is expected to contribute significantly to Tripura's rural economy and food security.
