A New Era of Fisheries Begins in Chhattisgarh

First Aqua Park to be Built in Hasdeo Submergence Area
Boost to Rural Income through Production, Processing, and Aqua Tourism

Raipur : Chhattisgarh is on the brink of a new era in fisheries. With the initiative of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and support from the Central Government, the state’s first Aqua Park will soon be established in the Hasdeo Bango Reservoir located in Korba district. The Centre has approved ₹37.10 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for the project. This Aqua Park will span hundreds of acres in the Etma Nagar and Satrenga regions of the reservoir.

The development of this park is expected to bring a revolution in fishery activities, from production to processing, sales, export, and tourism, thereby increasing the income of local rural communities. Chief Minister Sai expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government for approving the funds for this transformative initiative.

Dual Facilities in Etma Nagar and Satrenga

The Aqua Park will have two primary components:

• Etma Nagar will host a fish feed mill, fish processing plant, hatchery, and a recirculatory aquaculture system. It will cover the entire value chain from fish breeding and feed production to processing and export-ready packaging. The processing plant will clean the fish, remove bones, prepare fillets, and use high-quality packaging for export.
• Satrenga, already a popular water tourism destination, will be further developed with an Aqua Museum, showcasing various fish species. Facilities like angling decks, floating houses, cafés, motorboats, and other water sports infrastructure will also be developed to attract tourists and promote local employment.

Boosting Fish Trade and Rural Livelihoods

Chief Minister Sai stated that the Aqua Park will introduce advanced fish farming techniques and provide new direction to Chhattisgarh’s fisheries sector, especially through the processing and packaging units. Notably, Tilapia, a fish in high demand internationally—especially in the U.S.—will be cultivated on a large scale here, opening global trade opportunities for local fish farmers.

Current Status: 800 Fish Cages and Growing

Presently, there are around 800 fish cages in the Hasdeo Bango reservoir, managed under expert supervision. Nearly 160 members from 9 fishing committees have been allocated five cages each. These fish farmers earn an average net income of ₹90,000 per year from cage culture.

Members like Deepak Ram Manjhiwar, Amar Singh Manjhiwar, and Devmati Uike have shared how fish farming has transformed their livelihoods. The region currently produces about 1,600 metric tons of fish annually. Around 70 to 80 people are directly employed in cage culture, while 20 to 25 small vendors benefit from daily sales. Fishery experts and government officers have trained locals in advanced aquaculture techniques.

Mainly Tilapia and Pangasius species are being cultivated. While Tilapia is already being exported in limited quantities, the Aqua Park aims to scale up production for broader export to the U.S. and Europe, accelerating rural economic development.

Tourism and Demonstration Units to Enhance Economic Growth

In addition to Etma Nagar, the park’s expansion in Satrenga will include demonstration units for educational and promotional activities. This will attract visitors from across the state and country, offering recreational experiences and the chance to enjoy delicious fish-based cuisine.

The resulting tourism boom will create local employment, increase rural income, and improve living standards, marking a major step toward self-reliance in Chhattisgarh’s fisheries sector.