Press Release
Press Release from the Fisheries Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Ranching of Brown Trout Fingerlings, Plantation, and Cleanliness Drive Conducted at Menmoitso, Gangtok District
Menmoitso, July 30, 2025:
The Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, successfully organized a multifaceted programme titled “Ranching of Brown Trout Fingerlings, Plantation, and Cleanliness Drive” at Menmoitso under Gangtok District. The programme was aimed at promoting ecological conservation, sustainable aquaculture practices, and community participation in environmental stewardship.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Lakpa Tshering Tamang, Zilla Panchayat Member, Gnathang GPU; Mrs. Tshering Sherpa, Panchayat Member, Yakla Shrethang Ward; and Mrs. Roshni Rai, Secretary, Fisheries Department. Other senior officials in attendance included Shri K. K. Shrestha, Director; Shri C. S. Rai, Additional Director; Shri Vivek Karma Subba, Superintending Engineer; Shri Sunil Bagdas, Divisional Engineer; Shri Nitesh Gurung, Deputy Director; Shri Surendra Bhandari, Assistant Director; and Mrs. Rayhel Gurung, Assistant Engineer, along with officers, field staff, and members of the local community.
The programme commenced with a welcome session, followed by the plantation of saplings by the Secretary and other dignitaries, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Participants were then taken on a guided tour of the key infrastructural developments under the Rainbow Trout Brood Bank Project funded under PMMSY.
The engineering team provided a detailed briefing on the progress of the construction works undertaken. This was followed by a short visit to the trout farm, where Shri Sonam Tsh. Bhutia, Block Officer and Farm In-Charge, briefed the team about the farm's functioning and the current stock status.
A key highlight of the programme was the ranching of Brown Trout fingerlings into Menmoitso Lake. These fingerlings have been reared in the government hatchery located within the Menmoitso Trout Farm, which plays a vital role in supporting the conservation of brown trout in natural water bodies. The Fisheries Department undertakes this ranching initiative annually, with the objective of replenishing the natural trout population, enhancing aquatic biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance in the region’s coldwater ecosystems.
This was followed by a Cleanliness Drive in and around Menmoitso Lake, aimed at spreading awareness regarding environmental hygiene and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
The programme concluded with a community lunch hosted at the Old Guest House, offering an opportunity for meaningful interaction and exchange of ideas among officials, stakeholders, and the local populace.
The Fisheries Department conveys its heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, officials, and community members for their enthusiastic participation and unwavering support. The Department reiterates its commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector through sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive community engagement in the State of Sikkim.
Menmoitso, July 30, 2025:
The Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, successfully organized a multifaceted programme titled “Ranching of Brown Trout Fingerlings, Plantation, and Cleanliness Drive” at Menmoitso under Gangtok District. The programme was aimed at promoting ecological conservation, sustainable aquaculture practices, and community participation in environmental stewardship.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Lakpa Tshering Tamang, Zilla Panchayat Member, Gnathang GPU; Mrs. Tshering Sherpa, Panchayat Member, Yakla Shrethang Ward; and Mrs. Roshni Rai, Secretary, Fisheries Department. Other senior officials in attendance included Shri K. K. Shrestha, Director; Shri C. S. Rai, Additional Director; Shri Vivek Karma Subba, Superintending Engineer; Shri Sunil Bagdas, Divisional Engineer; Shri Nitesh Gurung, Deputy Director; Shri Surendra Bhandari, Assistant Director; and Mrs. Rayhel Gurung, Assistant Engineer, along with officers, field staff, and members of the local community.
The programme commenced with a welcome session, followed by the plantation of saplings by the Secretary and other dignitaries, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Participants were then taken on a guided tour of the key infrastructural developments under the Rainbow Trout Brood Bank Project funded under PMMSY.
The engineering team provided a detailed briefing on the progress of the construction works undertaken. This was followed by a short visit to the trout farm, where Shri Sonam Tsh. Bhutia, Block Officer and Farm In-Charge, briefed the team about the farm's functioning and the current stock status.
A key highlight of the programme was the ranching of Brown Trout fingerlings into Menmoitso Lake. These fingerlings have been reared in the government hatchery located within the Menmoitso Trout Farm, which plays a vital role in supporting the conservation of brown trout in natural water bodies. The Fisheries Department undertakes this ranching initiative annually, with the objective of replenishing the natural trout population, enhancing aquatic biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance in the region’s coldwater ecosystems.
This was followed by a Cleanliness Drive in and around Menmoitso Lake, aimed at spreading awareness regarding environmental hygiene and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
The programme concluded with a community lunch hosted at the Old Guest House, offering an opportunity for meaningful interaction and exchange of ideas among officials, stakeholders, and the local populace.
The Fisheries Department conveys its heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, officials, and community members for their enthusiastic participation and unwavering support. The Department reiterates its commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector through sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive community engagement in the State of Sikkim.