Reservoir Fisheries Development Scheme

Reservoir Fisheries Development Scheme by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Jharkhand helps registered fisheries cooperative societies raise fish production and improve local livelihoods. The scheme provides fish fingerlings, subsidized boats and nets, and support for cage culture across reservoirs, check dams, coal pits and other water bodies in the state.

This state-level scheme is managed by the Directorate of Fisheries and continues to run in the 2026-27 financial year. It makes good use of water resources that otherwise stay idle, with a special focus on mining affected areas. A cooperative society in a mining belt that needs better resources to grow its business can get the money help required to move ahead.

Reservoir Fisheries Development Scheme - Introduction

Reservoir Fisheries Development Scheme was launched by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Jharkhand to boost fish production and support the livelihood of fishermen. It provides registered fisheries cooperative societies with essential fish fingerlings and money support for buying boats and nets.

The scheme is run by the Directorate of Fisheries. It aims to use water bodies such as reservoirs, check dams, coal pits and other stable water resources well. For example, if a cooperative society in a mining affected area needs better resources to grow its business, this scheme provides the money support needed to help it succeed.

Key Information

Benefits

Reservoir Fisheries Development Scheme offers several incentives to help a fisheries cooperative grow. These benefits are given to registered societies and their members:

• Annual fish fingerlings: Supply of 530 lakh fish fingerlings to various reservoirs each year to keep the water bodies stocked and productive.
• Fishing gear subsidy: A subsidy of ₹1,000 or 50% of the cost per member for fishing nets, whichever is lower.
• Boat support: Money help of ₹10,000 or 50% of the cost for one boat per cooperative society, whichever is lower.
• Cage culture: Financial encouragement and technical support for cage culture in reservoirs, which helps raise production and gives a steady secondary income.
• Productivity: Helps improve fish production across 1,06,000 hectares of water bodies in the state.
• Income support: Helps members of registered fisheries cooperative societies earn a better income.
• Targeted reach: Priority is given to mining affected water bodies to make them productive again.

Eligibility

To get the benefits of this scheme, a cooperative society and its members should meet these criteria:

1. A person should be a registered member of a fisheries cooperative society.
2. The society should stay actively involved in fisheries activities.
3. The water body used for fishing must be a stable resource such as a reservoir, check dam, coal pit or a mining affected area.
4. The water body should meet the minimum size requirement for proper fish stocking and development.

Application Process

The application process for Reservoir Fisheries Development Scheme is offline. Applications are submitted at the District Fisheries Office. Follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Visit the District Fisheries Office during working hours and ask for the official application form for the scheme.

STEP 2 - Fill in all the fields carefully and attach the required documents, self-attesting them where needed.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed application in person at the District Fisheries Office.

STEP 4 - Ask for a receipt or an acknowledgment slip. Make sure it includes the submission date and a unique ID so the application status can be tracked easily.

Documents

Keep these documents ready while applying for the scheme:

1. Copy of the Cooperative Society Registration Certificate
2. Valid proof of membership in the society
3. Inspection report of the water body
4. Cost estimates for the purchase of nets and boats
5. Bank account details to receive the subsidy
6. Signed declaration confirming that all fisheries guidelines are being followed

References

View Official Guidelines

Jharkhand Fisheries Department Schemes

FAQ's

How can fisheries cooperatives benefit from this scheme?

A cooperative can receive fish fingerlings, subsidies for fishing gear like boats and nets, and technical support for cage culture to improve its daily catch and income.

Are there specific water bodies eligible for this scheme?

Yes, stable water bodies such as reservoirs, check dams, coal pits and mining affected areas are eligible for this scheme.

What is the subsidy amount for fishing nets?

A member can receive a subsidy of ₹1,000 or 50% of the actual cost for fishing nets, whichever is lower.

What documents are needed to apply for the scheme?

A society should provide its registration certificate, proof of membership, water body inspection papers, cost estimates and bank account details.

Who supervises the implementation of this scheme?

The Directorate of Fisheries oversees the scheme, and the local District Fisheries Officer handles monitoring and implementation in each area.

What is cage culture, and how does it benefit fishermen?

Cage culture allows fish to be farmed in controlled enclosures within a reservoir, which helps raise production and gives a reliable secondary stream of income.

How are subsidies paid to beneficiaries?

Subsidies are sent directly to the bank account or provided through cheques issued to the cooperative society.

What is the financial allocation for this scheme?

A total budget of ₹400 lakh has been allocated to provide fish fingerlings, boats and nets, along with administrative support.

Can non-members of fisheries cooperatives avail of this scheme?

No, this scheme is designed only for registered members of fisheries cooperative societies.

How can grievances related to the scheme be addressed?

For any concern, contact the District Fisheries Office or the Directorate of Fisheries in Jharkhand for help.

Are mining affected areas prioritized in this scheme?

Yes, the scheme places special focus on rehabilitating mining affected water bodies to make them productive for fishing.