Madikkai: The Fisheries Department has launched a fish stocking project in the Arayi River near the Madikkai–Manakkadavu bridge. The initiative, part of the District Panchayat’s 2025–26 annual plan, was inaugurated by District Panchayat president Baby Balakrishnan.

The project aims to enhance the fish wealth of the river while providing sustained livelihood and income opportunities for local fishermen. As part of the initiative, three lakh carp fingerlings have been released into the river.

Madikkai Panchayat president S Preetha presided over the function. Panchayat member P Ratheesh, Fisheries Extension Officer Arunendu Ramakrishnan and Fisheries Officer T A Abdullakunhi were among those who spoke on the occasion.