Una, November 28: The barren hilly areas of Una district in Himachal Pradesh are today writing a new story of prosperity. At the heart of this transformation is the state government's Chief Minister's Carp Fisheries Scheme. This scheme has given a new direction to the rural economy, providing Una with a remarkable model of the "Blue Economy," which is now being discussed throughout the state. The rapid transformation in the Bangana and Shri Chintpurni areas in just one year is not only commendable but has also become an inspiring example for other districts.
Implemented by the state's Fisheries Department, this scheme provides farmers with an 80 percent subsidy on the unit cost for the construction of carp fish ponds. Launched by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu in 2024, the scheme aims to boost the state's fisheries potential and provide new self-employment opportunities for youth.

**Where farming was once difficult, now there's a breeze of development.
**The scheme has covered 2.8 hectares of land so far, with 10 farmers receiving assistance of 2.8 lakh rupees.
Vivek Kumar, Assistant Director of the Fisheries Department, Una, explains that in many areas of Bangana and Shri Chintpurni, the land was rocky, hard, and virtually unsuitable for farming. The threat of wild animals further held farmers back. In such a situation, the Chief Minister's Carp Fisheries Scheme provided a strong alternative. Within just one year, that same land has been transformed into high-value fish production centers.
So far, 2.8 hectares of land has been covered under this scheme. 10 farmers have been provided with a subsidy of approximately 2.8 lakh rupees. Of these, 2.12 hectares of land is in the Bangana and Chintpurni areas, for whom assistance of 21.03 lakh rupees has been approved. So far, 10 ponds have been successfully constructed, becoming a sustainable source of production, income, and employment.

**A model of self-reliance taking shape through the CM's visionary thinking
Fisheries Department Director Vivek Chandel says that Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's priority is to strengthen self-employment-based economic activities in the hilly areas. The Fisheries Department is continuously working to realize this vision of the Chief Minister.
The government's Chief Minister Carp Fisheries Scheme is a crucial initiative in this regard. Building ponds in hilly areas is much more expensive than in normal areas, so farmers are being provided with an 80 percent subsidy.
Vivek Chandel explains that this scheme has emerged as not only a means of economic growth but also an effective tool for environmental improvement. Rain-fed ponds are acting as natural water recharge structures, improving groundwater levels, and creating a more balanced environment. The steady increase in farmers' incomes has provided a sustainable foundation for the rural economy.

**DC Jatin Lal said...The government's goal is to bring concrete and positive change in people's lives.
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal said that the state government's top priority is to bring concrete and positive change in the lives of the people. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu is particularly focused on ensuring that self-employment opportunities reach every citizen. The administration is committed to ensuring that eligible farmers receive the full benefits of the schemes, thereby developing new dimensions of income, employment, and resource management in the district.