Himachal to Set Up ₹25 Crore Integrated Aqua Park in Nadaun to Boost Rural Economy and Fisheries Sector

Shimla | Diary Times News Bureau

In a major initiative aimed at strengthening the rural economy and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the Himachal Pradesh Government will establish an Integrated Aqua Park at Nadaun in Hamirpur district with an investment of ₹25 crore.

Suitable land for the project has already been identified, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared by ICAR–CIFA, Bhubaneswar. The Aqua Park will serve as a hub for employment generation, self-employment, and skill development, transforming the fisheries sector into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.

The facility will act as a centre for disseminating modern freshwater aquaculture technologies, empowering local youth and farmers through ventures such as fish seed production, feed formulation, value addition, and marketing. By ensuring the supply of high-quality fish feed, the Aqua Park will help increase fish productivity and profitability for local fish farmers.

The park will feature demonstration units for advanced aquaculture practices, offering hands-on training to unemployed youth and encouraging entrepreneurship in the sector.

As per the proposal, the park will focus on producing superior-quality seed varieties of:

• Indian Major Carps: Rohu (Jayanti Rohu), Catla (Amrit Catla), Mrigal
• Exotic Carps: Hungarian and Amur strains
• Minor Carps: Kulwans
• Catfishes: Pangasius, Murrels
• Ornamental Fishes: Goldfish, Koi Carp, Guppy, Molly

Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Aqua Park will include modern hatcheries, nursery and rearing units, broodstock facilities, Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), a feed mill, ornamental fish units, a public aquarium, aqua shop with marketing and incubation facilities, administrative and training complex, quarantine and wet laboratory, and an effluent treatment plant.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that strengthening the rural economy remains a top priority for the State Government.
He added, “The fisheries sector holds immense potential to enhance farmers’ income. The department has been directed to adopt and promote modern aquaculture practices to ensure that farmers receive fair and rewarding returns for their hard work.”