Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at combining ecological conservation with revenue generation, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to monetise its 12 natural ponds by leasing them out for controlled pisciculture through auction. Under the proposed model, the highest bidder will be required to pay Rs 40,000 per acre annually to the civic body for undertaking fish farming in the designated water bodies.The responsibility of the private operator will extend beyond fish production. According to BMC officials, the selected agency will also be tasked with the beautification, cleaning and regular maintenance of ponds and their surrounding areas. The agency will have to furnish an undertaking ensuring that no harm is caused to the natural ecosystem, embankments or other ecological features of the ponds while carrying out pisciculture activities.The initiative is designed to promote sustainable pisciculture and scientific fish production in ponds that are technically suitable for such activities. Alongside fish farming, the project seeks to improve water quality, strengthen embankments, undertake landscaping and maintain cleanliness in and around the water bodies.BMC additional commissioner Kailash Chandra Dash said the civic body is keen to strike a balance between economic use and ecological preservation. “The objective is not merely revenue generation. We want the ponds to remain healthy urban water bodies while creating opportunities for scientific fish production. The private partners will have to ensure regular cleaning, beautification and protection of these ponds,” he said.Dash said the initiative would also help create safe, accessible and attractive recreational spaces for local residents without compromising on the primary ecological function of the water bodies. “At the same time, it will bring private investment into permissible infrastructure and services and create a sustainable revenue stream for BMC,” he said.Official sources said the project is also intended to prevent encroachment, dumping of waste, unauthorised construction and misuse of pond premises. Besides supporting conservation efforts, the programme is expected to generate local employment and livelihood opportunities linked to fisheries and maintenance activities.To ensure accountability, BMC plans to establish measurable service standards and monitoring mechanisms for regular assessment of pond management and environmental compliance, BMC officials said.