Varanasi: The UP govt’s Amrit Sarovar initiative, launched to promote water conservation and fisheries, is emerging as a steady source of income for fish farmers in Varanasi division. More than 30.96 lakh fish seeds have been stocked in 208 Amrit Sarovars across the four districts of Varanasi division–Varanasi, Jaunpur, Chandauli and Ghazipur.The ponds, spread over 236.68 hectares, have been leased out for fish farming, creating fresh opportunities for fish production, rural employment and income generation.Deputy Director of Fisheries Suresh Kumar said the large-scale stocking of fish seeds is expected to significantly enhance fish production in the coming months. The initiative will help improve the earnings of local fish farmers while strengthening the rural economy, he said.He added that although Amrit Sarovars were primarily created for water conservation, they are now playing an important role in providing sustainable livelihoods. With continued planned support for fisheries, the Kashi region has the potential to emerge as a major fish production hub.District-wise, 90 Amrit Sarovars have been allocated for fish farming in Chandauli, followed by 47 in Ghazipur, 41 in Varanasi, and 30 in Jaunpur.
