NTPC Farakka and ICAR CIFRI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore) collaborated to organise National River Ranching Program 2023 on 25th April 2023. It aims to boost livelihood of the fishermen community and preserve the biodiversity of river Ganga by releasing fish seeds into rivers, ensuring the presence of good quality fish.

Shri Satheesh S, GM (BE/EMG) and Shri PK Saha, AGM (BE/EMG) represented NTPC Farakka. Other dignitaries were namely, Shri R. D. Deshpande, GM Farakka Barrage township; Dr B K Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI & PI of Project; Shri AK Sahoo, Sr. Scientist & CO-Pi, ICAR, CIFRI; Dr Deepak Nayak, InCharge of SMS KVK and Shri Sujeet Kumar Das, DFO Malda.

This joint program involved carp fish breeding and ranching of fish eggs, spawn, fry, and fingerlings in the river Ganges, leading to an increased fish population. The resulting decrease in fish prices ensures the river Ganga's fish is available to a broader population for consumption.

Fish are vital aquatic organisms that play a critical role in maintaining balance in the aquatic environment, whether in fast or slow-flowing rivers, natural lakes, ponds, or man-made reservoirs. This close relationship between water and fish highlights the significance of programs like the River Ranching Program.