River Ranching is a scientific fisheries management initiative implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to restore depleted fish populations in India’s rivers. The programme involves releasing hatchery-reared fingerlings of native species into natural water bodies to enhance fish production, conserve riverine biodiversity, and strengthen ecological balance. Implemented by the Department of Fisheries with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) as the nodal agency, it covers major river basins such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi. The initiative also supports sustainable inland fisheries, improves food security, and enhances the livelihoods of river-dependent communities while contributing to the broader goal of sustainable river ecosystem management.
Click to View MoreBioremediation uses microorganisms, plants, or engineered biological agents to break down or neutralise pollutants in soil, water, and air. India urgently needs this technology due to widespread contamination of rivers, landfills, industrial clusters, and agricultural soils, coupled with the high cost and limitations of conventional cleanup methods. Government programmes such as DBT–BIRAC funding, NRCP, and Namami Gange have begun supporting pilot-scale bioremediation, while CSIR–NEERI leads scientific development. However, challenges remain—limited site-specific data, weak regulation, low public awareness, and unclear standards for GM microbes. With proper oversight and investment, bioremediation offers a sustainable pathway to restore India’s ecosystems and align with national clean-up missions.
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