Stalemate continues over Aqua Hub in Mid Manair Reservoir

The previous BRS government aimed to establish the Integrated Freshwater Aqua Hub to make Telangana a leader in fish production, but impasse has stalled progress after the government change

Rajanna-Sircilla: The proposal to set up an Integrated Freshwater Aqua Hub in Mid Manair Dam, the water junction for Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project is still hanging fire. The previous BRS government had planned to set up the hub to make the Telangana as a hub for fish production, while providing employment to local youth. The hub was planned in such a way that it was to become the world’s largest integrated freshwater aqua hub.

Three companies which have expertise in the field, Fishin India Private Limited, Rajanna Aqua (Nanda group) and Mulpuri Aqua had come forward to set up their units in Aqua hub by investing over Rs 1,300 crore. The previous government had planned to lay the foundation for the project but it did not happen, but the impasse over the project is continuing with the change in the government.

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Official sources say the selected companies have not deposited money with the government so far and the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) has issued notices to the companies. These companies were also given another opportunity to deposit the money and if the amount is paid, the land allocation and other works would be started, sources said.

Besides targetting annual exports of more than Rs 1,000 crore, the project is aimed at creating employment opportunities for 4,800 people directly and 7,000 people indirectly. The project is designed to be developed in 300 acres, and 150 acres of water spread area out of the 1,500 acres of the total water spread area of the reservoir.

It will encompass all activities including fish seed production, feed production, cage culture and fish processing. It will have dedicated hatcheries, feed production units, fish processing plants, export oriented logistics and testing and R&D facilities. Every year 1.2 lakh metric tons of fish would be produced. In hatchery, 5,750 lakh metric tonnes of seedlings would be generated. Two lakh metric tons of fish feed would be produced by utilizing rice, maize, groundnut, soyabeen and poultry waste by supporting the local farmers.