rawan239

Arunachal is the largest of all the Northeastern states in India.Total Area of Arunachal Pradesh is 83,743 square kilometer. Latitudinal and Longitudinal position of Arunachal Pradesh is between 26.28° N and 29.30° N latitude and 91.20° E and 97.30° respectively.

The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan ranges running north south. Relief of Arunchal Pradesh divides it into 5 river valleys:

1. the Kameng,
2. the Subansiri,

• the Brahmaputra or the Siang,

1. the Lohit and

Fig: Arunachal Pradesh: Political Map

The entire above river are snow-fed. Most important of these is Brahmaputra (called Siang locally), which have Lohit and Subansiri as its tributaries.

Most of Arunachal Pradesh is covered by the Himalayas. However, parts ofLohit, Tirap and Changlang comes under Patkai bum hills which is art of Eastern Himalayas. Kangto, NyegiKangsang, the main Gorichenpeak, and the Eastern Gorichen peak are some of the highest peaks in this region of the Himalayas

The Himalayan ranges that extend up to the eastern Arunachal separate it from Tibet. The ranges extend toward Nagaland, and form a boundary between India and Burma in Changlang and Tirap district, acting as a natural barrier called Patkai Bum Hills. Mountains of Himalayas range comes under Shivalik rage. Therefore, their height is lower than the Greater Himalayas.

The Arunachal’s terrain is full of deep valleys alternating with highland plateaus and ridges. These features rise in the north adjacent to the peaks of the Himalayan range.

We can divide the topography in 3 categories:

1. Northern Part
2. Middle Part

• Lower Part

1. Northern Part is the extension of Greater Himalayas. It forms boundary between India and Tibet. This part has very rough terrain and it is covered with snow most of the year. Kangto is the highest peak of this range with height of 7,060 meter.
2. Middle part has somewhat lesser high mountain and it is very narrow stretch.

• Southern Part lies in the foothills of the Himalayas and is extension of Shivalik range of Himalayas, with height ranges from 1,000 to 3,300 feet

It can be seen that three broad features characterise thetopography of the region: Farthest south is a series of foothills, much like the Siwalik Range — a narrow sub-Himalayan belt stretching across much of northern India — that ascend from the Assam plains to elevations of 1,000-3,300 feet.

These hills rise rapidly northward to the lesser Himalayas, where some ridges and spurs reach 10,000 feet.

Natural Hazards are severe and extreme weather and climate events that occur naturally. These refer to all atmospheric, hydrologic, and geologic phenomena that have the potential to affect humans, their structures, or their activities adversely, because of their location, severity, and frequency. Natural Hazards can happen at any point of time, day or night, and thus, unexpected and unmanaged events. The various disasters include Earthquake, Landslide, Flood, Tsunami, Drought, Cyclone, Cloud Burst, Forest Fire, and many others.The state of Arunachal Pradesh is very prone to various types of natural disasters and is especially vulnerable to earthquakes as it is located in Seismic Zone V.

Natural Hazards in Arunachal Pradesh include Earthquake, Landslide, Cloud Burst, Flash Flood and Forest Fire. Of these, Earthquakes, Landslides and Cloud Burst are the most destructive, in terms of loss of life and destruction of property and environmental degradation. Although these natural hazards cannot be stopped, however, the adverse affect of these calamities can be minimized. It is, thus, essential to understand the processes involved in occurrence of these phenomena, particularly in context of Arunachal Pradesh.

The geology of Arunachal Pradesh is very complex as it exhibits three different mountain systems of different origin in juxtaposition. These are :

(1) The Himalayan Ranges

(2) The Mishmi Hill Ranges

(3) The Naga-Patkai-Arakan Ranges

The Himalayan Ranges in Arunachal forms a continuation of that in Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan in its western part and continue up to the eastern part in Upper and East Siang districts and partly in Dibang Valley and Lohit districts. Geologically, the Himalayan Ranges in Arunachal Pradesh are divisible into three domain : Outer Himalaya, Lesser Himalaya and Higher Himalaya. As in other parts of the Eastern Himalaya, the Arunachal Himalaya also contains distinctive litho-tectonic units. The Mishmi Hill Ranges, which form a part of the Shan-Malaysia Plate, abut against the Himalayan Ranges along the Tuting-Tidding Suture Zone and are mostly present in the Dibang Valley and Lohit districts. These are represented by Mishmi Massif that abut against the Himalayan Ranges along a suture zone, named as the Tuting-Tidding Suture Zone. The Naga-Patkai-Arakan Ranges that abut against the Himalayan and Mishmi Hill ranges are present in Changlang and Tirap districts. These are represented by the Schuppean Belt of Upper Tertiary sequence. Movements in these mountains cause large number of earthquakes periodically along the thrust/faults planes, and quite a large part of the region is being affected by frequent landslides. Various records show that earthquakes of different magnitude have been occurring frequently in Arunachal Pradesh. For example, a team of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology operated 10 seismic stations in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh for a period of 4-5 months in 1994. The study showed micro-seismic activity with a cluster of earthquakes of magnitudes 2 to 5 in West Kameng and Tawang districts, and another cluster with magnitudes ranging from 1 to 5 in the upper reaches of the Lohit Valley. Further, a linear zone of seismicity between magnitudes 2 to 4 occurs approximately along the MBT zone in foothill area. There are other institutions, such as North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST) formerly known as Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Manipur University, etc., which have been recording occurrence of earthquakes in the entire North-Eastern Region. This shows that the seismic activity in Arunachal Himalaya is not uncommon and rather is a regular natural phenomenon, which however, cannot be predicted in terms of time, magnitude and place. On the other hand, unplanned developmental activities in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the concrete construction for their modern life style, are increasing day by day without considering the vulnerability to the earthquakes. The natural hazards, particularly the Earthquake and Landslide hazards, thus, need attention for comprehensive plan for preparedness and mitigation for sustainable reduction in disaster risk in hazard-prone areas through an integrated approach with active participation of the scientific community and society. Preparedness for Earthquake especially is very important particularly in metro cities having high density of life and property, where Earthquake can result in a large-scale disaster due to inappropriate structures. The need of the day is to educate the general public regarding the danger from earthquake hazards and their mitigation.

Worst ever flood

In june 2012 Arunachal pradesh along with the Assam received massive rainfall and worst flood ever. Arunachal Pradesh  received 80 % excess rainfall in june 2012. Brahmaputra valley have been severed due to landslides. Continuous rain for two days triggered floods in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh, including capital Itanagar.  Rain wreaked havoc in Namsai and Changlang districts with rising water of the Noa Dehing and the Jengthu rivers inundated fresh areas besides damaging several flood protection embankments. So flood is also a big natural hazard in Arunachal pradesh.

Landslide in Tawang, April 2016

16 persons were killed when a massive landslide triggered by incessant rain hit a labour camp in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh in april 2016.

Disaster management strategy for Arunachal pradesh

It has been observed that there are particular regions, which are periodically exposed to the same hazards, but many a times other hazards are striking the regions where they are not expected. For example, on the one hand, earthquake can occur anytime anywhere, on the other hand, floods and cyclones occur at certain places annually. Therefore, communities that periodically face the wrath of the nature have to be helped to cope up with these disasters and prepare well in advance so that losses are minimized. At the same time, it is also important to know how to act in any emergency situation to avoid accidents arising from panic and ignorance. In nut shell, disaster preparedness and mitigation measures have to be applied almost universally. The natural hazards, thus, need attention for comprehensive plan for hazards assessment, preparedness and mitigation for sustainable reduction in disaster risk in hazard-prone areas through an integrated approach with active participation of the scientific community and society. An effective strategy for disaster mitigation may be divided into the following related activities :

(1) Advance Planning : It is most important activity aimed at providing basic directions for creating an environment for long-term protection. It involves :

• Identification of hazard-prone regions on the basis of historical and current knowledge as well as conceptual anticipation.
• Design of engineering specifications for various kind of structure, particularly construction ofØ more than two storey buildings in urban agglomeration.
• Assessment of the vulnerability and risk faced by existing structure and design for retrofitting,Ø wherever necessary. Special attention may be given to all essential buildings, such as hospitals, schools and colleges, telephone exchanges, power houses, water supply, etc.
• Design & operational readiness of protocols for effective rescue and relief measures, prevention of epidemics, and emergency operation of critical services.
• Regular dissemination of information through carefully designed bulletins to evoke a constructive response and avoid panic.

(2) Rehabilitation and Resettlement : It is a consequential aspect to be taken up on priority basis to provide living atmosphere to the affected people in which they use to live before the calamity. This includes land & building, monetary package, livestock, other economic assets, etc. It is, thus, important to prepare alternate plans for rehabilitation and Resettlement in case of natural hazard. It is essential to regain social life, status and self-confidence of the affected people. It is not an easy task, because many people have sentimental attachments to their parental belongings and socio-cultural relations.

(3) Research and Development : This strategy aims at meticulous scientific preparedness through development of low cost and locally supportable technologies. Efforts should be made for improvement of slope stability, landform classification, etc., and further research be taken up in estimating and mapping the hazards intensities in the threatened areas. Therefore, Scientists, Technologists, Engineers and Administration have a role to play in providing safe, appropriate and economical solutions.

• Scientists Domain – relates to quantification of hazards through improved understanding of hazards occurrence.
• Technologists & Engineers Domain – relates to choice of appropriate analytical models for developing safe and economic designs.
• Administration Domain – relates to public awareness and preparedness programs, particularly rehabilitation and restoring their normal activity.

 (4) Awareness Creation : The need of the day is to educate the general public regarding the danger from the natural hazards and their mitigation. Most important is to follow strict enforcement of proper building codes. People themselves should realize to adopt the suitable building codes for their own safety. A very important aspect for hazards analysis and disaster mitigation is availability of instruments and trained manpower, and support from media for public awareness. In case of earthquake hazards, there are varied opinions regarding occurrence of next great earthquake in the NorthEastern Region. This has created panic in the public, especially when the media propagates future occurrence of earthquake based on prediction by some scientist. Though highly scientific and theoretical seismological studies could make prediction for space (where ?), but never about time (when ?). So we should not look for the prediction, but prepare ourselves from the earthquake events. Further, towards extension of the knowledge for better understanding of the natural hazard mitigation and management, it is desirable to have a meaningful interaction between the scientists and technical experts, on one hand, and administrators and planners, on the other hand, on regular basis. It is possible through State and National level workshops and training programs, which may not only produce trained man-power but also result into meaningful recommendations for implementation by the State Government. The natural hazards, particularly the Earthquake and Landslide hazards, need attention for comprehensive plan for preparedness and mitigation for sustainable reduction in disaster risk in hazard-prone areas through an integrated approach with active participation of the scientific community and society. Preparedness for Earthquake especially is very important particularly in district headquarters having high density of life and property, where Earthquake can result in a large-scale disaster due to inappropriate structures.

ACTIONS SUGGESTED

Arunachal Pradesh falls under high seismic zone, and thus, natural hazards mitigation, particularly Earthquake and Landslide Hazards mitigation, needs utmost attention to ensure sustainable development in the State. While it is not possible to prevent natural disasters from occurring, however, the impact of these disasters may be reduced and loss of life and properties may be minimized by adopting suitable mitigation measures. It is said that “Prevention is better than Cure”. Therefore, prevention approach should be taken rather than the curative approach in Hazard Reduction Policy. It is desirable to adopt an integrated approach from anticipation to preparedness, relief, rehabilitation and recovery. It is well said that “Hazards, both – natural and man-made, are inevitable but every hazard need not convert into a Disaster !” There is a requirement of carrying out the mapping of cities and rural areas for vulnerability assessment, which may suggest the areas suitable for development activities or vulnerable to the disasters. A classic example is observed in Lower Dibang Valley District, Arunachal Pradesh, where a bridge over Deopani River near Roing has been collapsed as it was situated near the Himalayan Frontal Fault, which is considered to be active. Similarly, Hunli – a sub-divisional headquarter, has been established on the old landslide debris in Lower Dibang Valley District, which has been reactivated making the area vulnerable. Efforts may be made towards meticulous scientific preparedness through development of low cost and locally supportable technologies for improvement of slope stability, landform classification, etc. Further, research be taken up in estimating and mapping the hazards intensities in the threatened areas. In this context, following studies are proposed and suitable actions are suggested :

• Set up of Seismic Observatories
• Preparation of Hazards Zonation Maps (1:50,000 scale)

1. Sub-Seismic Zonation Maps,
2. Landslide Hazards Zonation Maps,
3.   Lineament Maps with demarcation of active faults.

• Study of Historical Earthquakes (Palaeo-seismicity)
• Landslides Studies

1. Preparing database of old, active and inactive landslides;
2. Preparation of Landslides Hazards Zonation Maps
3. Monitoring of active landslides and high risk areas; and
4. To suggest remedial measures.

• Set up Global Positioning System (GPS) Stations
• Creation of Public Awareness xvi. Education in Hazards Mitigation
• Training Programs and Workshops
• Law Enforcement and Enforcement of Building Codes and Bye-laws

Although certain standards have been laid down for construction of earthquake resistant buildings in the seismic zones, more often than not it is observed that these codes and standards are not followed religiously. Example may be taken of Itanagar Capital Complex, where multi-storey buildings are coming up without considering the bearing capacity of the soil. Even multi-storey buildings have been constructed over the drains without considering the catchment area of that particular drain. Enforcement of Building Codes and By-laws will certainly go a long way in ensuring safety and longevity of the people and civil construction. Even the financial institutions providing loan for construction purposes have to be sensitized to the need for making their investment secure by insisting on earthquake resistant construction by the loanee, where necessary mandatory insurance of all buildings above a stipulated value, size or category, both public and private, have to be ensured through suitable legislation. Valdiya (2002) has already suggested to constitute a State Commission, which could be called the Arunachal Pradesh Natural Hazards Management Commission (APNHMC), to provide the community with all information relating to the vulnerability of areas to hazards, extent and magnitude of risks and likely impacts, and the mitigation measures to be taken up in time. There is an urgent requirement of sensitizing all stake holders to make them aware of their risks and vulnerabilities and seeking their support and co-operation for making a Disaster Management Plan through structural and non structural means. It is important because a large number of developmental activities in terms of hydro electric power projects, development of infrastructure, etc. are also under progress in Arunachal Pradesh. A holistic view has to be taken of all the developmental activities and urbanization pattern due to location of the State in High Seismic Zone.

Stocking of upland/high altitude lakes:
Rich population of indigenous fishes and thriving fishery once exists in a number of high altitude lakes. Most of these resources are in inaccessible areas and remain covered with snow in winter. These resources are exploited for domestic consumption without being replenished thereby reducing the fish population. If let to remain in this condition without being replenished, these resources in neat future will be devoid of fish population and a disturbed ecology.
It is planned to map these resources located in Tawang, West Kameng, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley &Anjaw district employing GIS technology and massive stocking with endemic and exotic fishes to replenish dwindling fish population and restoring its ecology. On accomplishment of stocking the same in near future could be developed as fishery based eco-tourism in liaison with the Tourism Department.
Distribution of fish seed: 
Fish seed is the critical input in aquaculture which determines productivity or the outcome. Most of the ponds are left un-stocked with fish seed by the farmers because of not getting the same at right season and time. Since seed is not readily available locally, farmers find it difficult to manage it from outside because of high transportation cost, uncertainty in terms of breed and quality. Further weak financial condition and is the reason for leaving their pond without stocking fish seed thus making it unproductive. In most places the farmers are forced to depend on handiwallas for their requirement of stocking. Taking this advantage the farmers are exploited by these handiwallas, supplying with inferior quality seed leading to negative growth and reduce production. To assure the farmers about uninterrupted supply and availability of quality seed, the scheme is being implemented throughout the state continuously for the past four years. Feedback from the ground level indicates its popularity and impact on production and productivity. Seeing its popularity/success and impact at farmer’s level it is proposed to continue the scheme and distribute 400 million of fish seed by 2030.
Development of cold Water Fisheries:
Most of the aquatic resources are in the sub tropical and alpine zone covering almost 90% of the state’s total area where maximum fish diversity is found and classified as cold water fisheries resources. Importance of cold water fisheries as a potential source of sustained income coupled with tourism and recreational activities could not be ignored. Literally speaking this sector of fishery is still in infancy and requires tremendous effort, monetary support and participation of people. Owing to micro climatic conditions coupled with thermal variables, the production from upland region is still very low. This discourages the farmers to come forward and adopt aquaculture as one of the profession. However the scenario has slightly changed and several farmers have started culture of exotic carp and touts along with culture of indigenous fishes especially Mahseers and snow trouts. Though efforts have been initiated for the development and popularization of fishery in this region still there is a lot to be done. All out effort will be made to develop hill aquaculture which will include horizontal and vertical expansion of fish culture activities, integrated aquaculture, stock diversification, implementation of sustainable production enhancement measures in lakes, reservoirs, introduction of zone specific culture technology for judicious exploitation of these resources. Improvement and development of infrastructure with massive investment from centre and state Government, capacity building of stakeholders, promotion of sport fishery and fishery based ec0-tourism will be taken up on priority. Setting up of a cold water fisheries research station of DCFR (ICAR), Bhimtal facilitating research on indigenous fish species, standardization and documentation of breeding and culture protocol of indigenous fishes having food, sport and ornamental value will also be explored.
Ornamental Fisheries:
Collection, propagation and marketing of ornamental fishes are potential venture. This industry is growing up with rising domestic and external demand. In aquaculture sector the ornamental fish breeding and trade provides excellent opportunities as a non food fishing activity for employment and income generation. It is totally environment friendly and involves low investment with short gestation period. It could be adopted as a small scale backyard enterprise either on full time or part time basis and it ensures high return. State’s open water resources and repository of ornamental fishes. Though the culture is yet to establish but the trade is being carried out illegally by collection from the wild sources. The breeding and rearing of ornamental fish doesn’t require much space and can be undertaken even in small area as backyard activity. This home based enterprise is highly suitable for women and their economic empowerment. The focus in this area would be on development of technical and entrepreneurial skill among women and unemployed youth to take ornamental fish culture on a business mode encompassing supplementary activities such as manufacturing of Aquaria, Packaging and marketing of aquarium fish and aquarium accessories and providing periodical maintenance services to aquarists.
Aquarium manufacturing will also be encouraged through which employment opportunities can be generated where some unemployed youth,Women in a limited scale can start manufacturing. Apart from financial assistance theBreeders/rearers, retail center cum aquarium manufactures will also trained. For Financial,Technical and marketing support MPEDA & CIFA will be approached. It is proposed to Establish 10 ornamental fish breeding units/farms, 100 rearing units & 50 aquariums Manufacturing units by 2030.
Fish Seed rearing Centre:
The state being land a locked one with sparse distribution of aquatic resources, transporting fish seed to such location becomes difficult owing to disruption of communication network due to natural calamities and heavy transportation cost depriving the farmers from this basic input. Being seasonal fish seed has to be stocked within the extended period of its availability; otherwise the ponds remain unproductive effecting production and productivity. Fish seed availability is a major problem being faced by the farmers and non availability in time and on demand exaggerates the problem even further. This is comparatively a new concept and 5 such centers on trial basis were implemented during 2014-15 covering 5 districts. Though its benefit is yet to be evaluated but its impact on easy availability of fish seed is certain. For the benefit of fish farmers it is therefore proposed to establish at least one centre in each administrative circle in private sector subject to availability of potential area or where there is high concentration of fish ponds and fishery activities. It is a profitable venture and will ensure sustained income and generate employment. In all together it is proposed to develop 100 such centre with minimum of 1.0 ha area covering all administrative circles of the state.
Fish based eco-tourism:
Eco-tourism is a sustainable form of resource utilization which in turn helps conservation while providing sustained income. Considering its advantage over traditional farming optimum multiple uses of the resources on sustainable basis must be thought of and encouraged. Fishery based eco-tourism is emerging as one of the area for the educated unemployed youth and farmer to develop entrepreneurship/self-employment and also results in ancillary activities which generates employment. Fish farm of progressive fish farmers can be converted into multi-dimensional venture with beautification of the landscape, addition of recreational infrastructures and angling facilities beside routine annual production of fish and fish seed. One time small scale little earning farm can be transformed to an enterprise with round the year livelihood earning for the owner. As an experimental point of view five units were development in five different districts by converting the fish farm of the progressive fish farmer by developing required infrastructures. With encouraging results there is further scope to encourage such enterprise in other parts of the state. Therefore it is proposed to develop 30 more such enterprise in the coming 15 years. These facilities in near future can also be developed/transformed into indigenous fish breeding, rearing and propagation centre.
Development of model fish farm:
“ Seeing is believing”. For augmenting fishery and aquaculture in the state a demonstration farm with all facilities and backup infrastructure is of paramount importance. In spite of huge potential in terms of resources the people are still reluctant to take up aquaculture.
Apprehending loss and non- performing in successive years and also due to lack of demonstrative impact of aquaculture in terms of economic viability and return. To start with during 2014-15 five nos. of Govt. Farms in 5 different districts were identified and assisted for developing into model farms and efforts are under way to develop at least 2 fish farms under Govt. Sector in each district and another 40 in private sector in the coming 15 years to popularize aquaculture.
Diversification of Aquaculture practices:
Diversification of Aquaculture is important to make this industry vibrant and ever growing. Aquaculture practiced in the state is carp centric and semi intensive type. New candidate species having high rate of production and market potential needs to be tried/ encouraged. Further endemic species, can also be reared along with other species. However, need of the hour is to go in for crop diversification and integrated form of culture practices in the interest of production enhancement of farmed fishes, reduction in overhead expenditure, double crop production from the same unit area, economic stability of the farmer and above all to maintain sustainability in Aquaculture production and productivity. Diversification for the past few years is being encouraged by the department in the form of fish livestock farming, paddy cum fish culture, poly culture, magur and prawn culture beside encouraging culture of Mahseer, Schizothorax and other indigenous minor carp along with IMC and Exotic Carp. Outcome of this endeavor is encouraging. To popularize diversification further, it is proposed to implement following integration practices over a period of 15 years: 1. Polyculture -500 ha 2. Fish –live stock farming a) Pig cum fish culture -1000 ha b) Duck cum fish culture -300 ha c) Poultry cum fish culture -300 ha 3. Fresh water prawn culture (M. Rosembergii) -200 ha 4. Indigenous magur Culture (Clariasbatrachus) -200 ha 5. Promotion of indigenous fish culture (Mahseer, Schizothorax, minor carps) -200 ha Reservoir Fisheries:
There are many water storage tanks/reservoirs in the state for generating electricity in the form of micro & mini Hydro Electric Projects (HEP) and many big reservoirs with large water bodies are in their various stages of execution while many more are in the pipeline. As and when these reservoirs are impounded large water bodies will be created. In near future these resources will become the nuclei of all sorts of fisheries activities and one of the prime fish producing resources of the state. Though culture technique in such water bodies is available further refinement of these technology/technique suiting social custom and in consonant with local agro-climatic condition will be evolved for optimum utilization and judicious management of these resources. It is expected that another 1000-1500 ha area of large water body will come up in the next 15 years in addition to 160 ha area of Ranganadi reservoir presently in operation. All the impounded area in near future will be brought under Pisciculture with technical support from CIFRI Kolkata and DCFR Bhimtal. Possible investment opportunities from other agencies will be explored and channelized for optimum utilization of these resources for enhanced fish production.
Fish Culture in Irrigation Channels/tanks:
Another important resource for aquaculture enhancement in the state can be minor irrigation tanks and channels. With the expansion in permanent cultivation more area are brought under irrigation network by creating minor irrigation projects (MIPS). These facilities can be best utilized for developing running water fish culture (RWFC) with minor alteration and refinement in technology as per local needs for culture of carps & air breaking fishes in these channels/tanks. It is expected to have approximately 800-1000 ha of such resources by 2030. Steps on priority will be initiated for obtaining rights to introduce pisciculture in these resources with appropriate policy decision/intervention.
Creation of facilities for production of quality and cost effective feed:
Lack of quality feed is always a constraint for aquaculture development in the state. At Present except for small quantity which which is available within the state, bulk of the feed requirement is met by importing from neighboring state at a higher cost which also includes transportation and incentive for the supplier/producer. Good wholesome and cost effective feed with efficient FCR is the prime requirement of increasing production and productivity in aquaculture. Presently the fish farmers are relying on a crude mixture of rice bran and Mustard oil cake (MOC) for semi incentive practices, while for sustainable intensification of aquaculture its role is either limited or negligent. Availability of key ingredients in recent years has become scarec putting fish farmers in disadvantageous position. In view of scarcity of ingredients, production of formulated feed has become imperative and popularization of extruded feed based aquaculture among the farmers would help in bringing good management practices in aquaculture. As of now there is no feed mill in the state. The rice bran (RB) and mustard oil cake (MOC) available in some parts of the state which could have been utilized as raw materials for development of formulated feed otherwise remains as waste product. If put into proper use it can revolutionalize aquaculture/fishery in the state. In the interest of enchasing production and productivity it is proposed to establish 4 small feed mills having 1 MT capacity in selected four districts i.e. (East siang, Papumpare, Changlang&Namsai) where there is availability of raw material.
Creation of fish Disease Surveillance and Quarantine facilities:
With increase in aquaculture activities, induction of new species & technologies, anthropogenic activities, pollution, damage to aqua ecology and habitat degradation and climate change disease outbreak are becoming common resulting in considerable loss to fish stock and economic loss to the farmer.
Many a time the situation gets aggravated due to ignorance because of lack of awareness on aquatic animal diseases, subsequent prophylactic management & early containment. The situation even gets worse due to absence of required minimum infrastructure for disease surveillance, early warning of disease outbreak and non existence of proper field level detection mechanism. Further to meet up the demand of fish seed requirement, it is imported from outside which also add to spread of diseases and entry of undesired species which may be detrimental to existence of native fish population. Requirement of setting up of quarantine facilities, regular surveillance, epidemiological investigation, network of early warning facilities, disease diagnostic laboratories will be taken up to avert any incidence and protection of our native species from being extinct. It is therefore needed to establish quarantine facilities in all entry points to district and a mini Disease Diagnostic laboratory in all districts headquarter/farms. 20 Nos. of mini DDL & 10 Nos. round the clock surveillance centre with quarantine facilities is proposed to be established over a period of 15 years. Initially District with high concentration of aquaculture activities will be covered followed by other district in a phased manner.
Development of aquaculture hub:
This is probably a new concept in fisheries history of the state. Since past few decades the aquaculture/fishery has grown many folds with assistance from centre and state. Production and productivity also increased but more effort is still needed to bring it at par with the production level of other state. Since the fisheries resources are scattered over a vast area, concentrated effort for its development and optimum utilization could not be given resulting in under utilization of resources. Foot hill districts of the state have the potential to become aquaculture/fishery hub provided strategy for holistic and concentrated development approach is adopted. All out effort will be made to develop 8 (eight) districts of the state namely Papumpare, Lower Subansiri, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai, Changlang and Longding into Aquaculture districts and 1 (one) village in each block of the state as aquaculture village by 2030. Once transformed it will become inspirational to others and its success will be extended/replicated to other village/district.
Development of seed production facilities:
Fishing activities have gone up in the state with accelerating aquaculture/fishery development and opening up of this sector as a means of social-economic development of rural population. Seed is prime requirement for aquaculture and other culture based capture fishery. The state so far is deficit in seed production and bulk quantities are imported from outside to fulfill the demand for stocking of farmers pond and other enhancement. Seed imported from other state somewhere are poor bred affecting growth and productivity. In pursuit of accelerating fishery/Aquaculture development in the state and fish seed being one of the critical inputs, number of fish farms in government sector has been established. Few of the farms were even equipped with seed production infrastructure. Some progressive fish farmers were also encouraged to undertake breeding and rearing of fish seed so that it is easily accessible to fish farmers. Infrastructures developed in Government farms are now obsolete or outdated. Conventional breeding is being carried out in most of the Government and beneficiary’s farm but is still far from meeting even the minimum requirement. As on date 7 no. of eco-hatcheries and 9 portable FRP carp hatcheries were installed in Government and private sector respectively. With expansion of area under fish cultivation and demand for fish seed has also increased proportionately which cannot be fulfilled from internal production alone, thus creating a huge gap between demand and supply. This unbalanced seed production does not auger well for the sector. Quality seed production and year round availability locally is the basic requirement for development of fishery & aquaculture in the state. At present 4.5 million seed is produced internally against the requirement of approximately 20 million. By the end of 2030 the fish seed requirement for stocking of pond and tanks, reservoir and other enhancement will go up by many times of present requirement while production is expected to be around 84 million. To manage/reduce the gap between demand and supply by 2030 to at least minimum, series of initiative will be taken. First being modernization of departmental fish farms on priority with creation of facilities for seed production, up gradation/remodeling of existing hatcheries, complete over hauling of existing facilities, development of brood stock and creation of district and state level brood bank. Incentive will be provided to individual progressive fish farmer and will be encouraged to install eco-hatcheries and portable FRP carp hatcheries. Financial institutions will be approached / pursued to finance such projects so as to achieve the goal of self sufficiency in seed production by 2030. Over a period of 15 years it is proposed to install 10 (ten) no. of eco hatcheries, 20 (twenty) FRP carp hatcheries, 20 (twenty) district level and 1 (one) state level brood bank facilities in a phased manner in fisheries potential District of the state by involving progressive fish farmers.
Establishment of post harvest and marketing infrastructures:
presently there is no facility for handling, storing and marketing of fishes. Fish being highly perishable item cannot be stored without proper facilities for a longer period once taken out of the pond. In absence of such facilities farmers are reluctant to market their produce in bulk quantities fearing spoilage, rather prefers marketing small quantities averting risk of overnight storing. Moreover there is not even proper fish landing centre. At present there are no regulated fish market or retail outlets in the state. Fish is being marketed in a most deplorable and unhygienic atmosphere in way side markets. It is a common sight that fish is sold through street markets and often on foot path. Though domestic market holds huge potential still they remain highly unorganized and unregulated. Most of the markets even lack in basic infrastructures like adequate clean water supply, proper drainage and disposal system, hygienic fish trading and cutting platforms, storage facilities cold chains, chilling plants, ice plants etc.
There is urgent need to upgrade and modernize and existing fish markets, construction of new ones in pre-identified areas where there is high consumption and bulk trading of fishes. There is also a need to develop infrastructure facilities at fish landing centre along fish modals. Establishing cold chain will minimize post harvest losses, and will encourage fish farmers to opt for bulk marketing. Marketing infrastructures and cold chain will open new vistas though processing and value addition. Efforts to increase fisheries productivity needs to be complemented by fish consumption. Chain of modern hygienic fish kiosk and dish vending with motorcycle mounted insulated box in most of the district and sub-divisional town is an emerging opportunity for educated unemployed youth and upcoming young entrepreneurs. This potential will be fully exploited in the interest of fish farmers and consumers. It is proposed to develop following infrastructures with financial support from NFDB or other central agencies in the coming 15 years:-

• Regulated modern hygienic retail fish market As per feasibility in eight potential districts in a Phased manner – 10 Nos.
• Fish landing and assimilation center – 4 Nos.
• Cold chain with ice plats – 3 Nos.
• Modern Hygienic fish kiosks – 3 Nos.
• Motorcycle mounted insulated box for fish vending- 100 Nos.