Nagpur Set to Become National Hub for Seaplane Ecosystem A survey to finalize seaplane routes originating from Khindsi Lake is underway, positioning Nagpur as the national hub for an amphibious aviation network. The initiative, supported by the government under the Udaan scheme, aims to establish a comprehensive seaplane ecosystem encompassing aircraft, training facilities, and maintenance operations. Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal confirmed to The Times of India that the project is at an advanced stage, with trials already completed. "The government has cleared the scheme, and surveys are currently being conducted with teams scouting locations on boats in Khindsi. It won’t be long before you can land directly at Khindsi Lake and check into a houseboat," Jaiswal stated. The project envisions houseboats with seven rooms, with the first boat to be procured from an Indian firm. Future specialized houseboats will be imported to enhance the experience. Jaiswal emphasized the transformative potential of seaplanes for regional connectivity, stating, "The seaplanes will revolutionize air traffic in Vidarbha and bring more tourists to this region. We are following up with various authorities, and things are moving ahead in a positive way." Mumbai-based entrepreneur Siddharth Verma, spearheading the seaplane project, highlighted Nagpur’s strategic location as the key factor. "Nagpur’s central position makes it the natural choice for anchoring the national seaplane ecosystem. Planes will be stored here, and training and maintenance will be conducted from this hub," Verma explained. He noted that the company already operates similar services in Konkan, Mumbai, and Nashik, with strong demand in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.#nagpur #ashish_jaiswal #khindsi_lake #udaan_scheme #siddharth_verma
4L River Prawn Seed Stocking Undertaken in Khindsi Lake Nagpur: Minister of State and Ramtek MLA Ashish Jaiswal recently initiated the stocking of nearly four lakh river prawn seeds in Khindsi Lake at Ramtek. The move marks a strategic shift from traditional fishery practices, focusing on high-value species to enhance productivity and fishermen’s incomes. The initiative aligns with the natural breeding and egg-laying cycle of river prawns, a phase that improves survival rates and supports sustainable propagation within the reservoir ecosystem. Fisheries officials emphasized that such scientifically timed interventions are crucial for long-term growth and resource management. Jaiswal highlighted the reliance of Vidarbha’s fisheries sector, particularly in Nagpur district, on Indian major carps like Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal, which account for 80-85% of total production. While these species remain vital for local consumption and affordability, overdependence has led to limitations in output and seasonal price volatility, affecting fishermen’s earnings. He noted that freshwater prawns, with market prices ranging between Rs400 and Rs800 per kilogram, offer a more stable and lucrative alternative. Assistant commissioner of fisheries, Shubham Komrewar, confirmed plans to expand similar prawn seed-stocking efforts to the Pench reservoir in the coming weeks. The project underscores efforts to diversify aquatic resources and mitigate the risks associated with over-reliance on a single species. By integrating high-value species into existing ecosystems, authorities aim to create a more resilient and profitable fisheries sector while ensuring environmental sustainability.#ramtek #pench_reservoir #ashish_jaiswal #khindsi_lake #shubham_komrewar
