The Government of India has announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 the integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars across the country for fisheries and aquaculture development, including specific focus on Bastar constituency in Chhattisgarh. The initiative aims to harness untapped fisheries potential while strengthening livelihoods of reservoir fishermen and engaging women self-help groups, fisheries cooperatives, and Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs).
Key components include strengthening quality seed production through hatchery establishment, promotion of cage and pen culture in reservoirs, provision of boats and nets to reservoir fishermen, promotion of composite fish culture and integrated fish farming in Amrit Sarovars, and establishment of fisheries infrastructure including fish feed mills, cold storage facilities, ice plants, fish kiosks, retail fish markets, fish transport vehicles, and fish value addition units.
The selection of reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars by the Department of Fisheries was conducted in consultation with States and Union Territories, considering perennial water availability and fisheries potential. Specifically, 12 reservoirs and 5 Amrit Sarovars have been selected from Bihar, while 27 reservoirs and 5 Amrit Sarovars have been selected from Chhattisgarh, including the Kosardeda reservoir from Bastar Constituency.
State-wise allocation data shows 351 reservoirs identified across 27 states, with Jharkhand (41), Maharashtra (34), Chhattisgarh (27), Telangana (27), Kerala (28), and Madhya Pradesh (22) receiving the highest allocations. For Amrit Sarovars, 100 have been identified across 21 states, with Uttar Pradesh (12), Telangana (6), Tamilnadu (6), Maharashtra (6), and multiple states receiving 5 allocations each.
The implementation will involve formation and support of Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), women-led groups, and fisheries cooperatives in the selected water bodies. Investment for implementation will be based on Detailed Project Reports submitted by States and Union Territories, with unit cost and funding pattern following existing guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).