UPSC Current Affairs.

Restoring river biodiversity through river ranching

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.