CCL Transforms Abandoned Mine Pits into Thriving Fish Farms, Boosting Local Economy and Biodiversity

Ranchi: Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has successfully converted abandoned mine pits into thriving fish farms, promoting sustainable use of natural resources while supporting local communities and biodiversity. This innovative initiative, guided by the Ministry of Coal, demonstrates CCL’s commitment to sustainable development and resource management.

By turning five abandoned mine pits into productive pisciculture hubs, CCL addresses both economic and environmental challenges. These projects provide local communities with an additional source of income while contributing to the state’s fish production.

Religara Pisciculture Project in the Argada Area of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, is one of the flagship projects. Spanning 9.71 hectares, it features 20 fish cages and produces approximately 9.6 tonnes of fish annually. The project directly benefits around 100 residents from the nearby villages of Religara and Baskudra, with support from the district administration.

Gidi A Pisciculture Project, also located in the Argada Area, covers 28 hectares and includes 22 fish cages. In its first year, it produced 0.72 tonnes of fish and has the potential for further development, with a ₹45 lakh beautification plan underway. The project is also proposed for Ramsar site designation, highlighting its ecological importance.

Bokaro OCP Pisciculture Project spans 4.22 hectares and operates 27 fish cages, producing 81 tonnes of fish annually. This initiative benefits 30 local families by farming popular species like Pangasius, Rohu, Tilapia, and Katla, significantly contributing to the local fish supply.

Central Saunda Pisciculture Project, launched in the Barkasayal Area, installed 40 fish cages for Tilapia in November 2023. This project is expected to generate substantial fish output, benefiting around 250 villagers and providing sustainable income opportunities.

Karkatta A and Karkatta C Pisciculture Projects in the NK Area are also vital to the region’s aquaculture efforts. Karkatta A, covering 1.80 hectares with 15 fish cages, produces 200 tonnes of fish annually, while Karkatta C spans 4.5 hectares with 50 fish cages, projected to yield 800 tonnes annually. Together, these projects will significantly enhance local livelihoods and support regional development.

CCL’s pisciculture initiatives exemplify how abandoned mine pits can be transformed into sustainable, income-generating ventures that benefit local communities and contribute to environmental conservation. The revitalization of these water-filled pits offers a balanced approach to industrial rehabilitation, supporting both socio-economic growth and ecological stewardship.

With several projects scheduled for completion by 2025, CCL’s efforts set a pioneering example of sustainable industrial practices in the coal sector. By integrating community welfare with biodiversity conservation, CCL is leading the way toward a more sustainable future for coal-rich regions.