Bengal’s rivers are facing a grave environmental crisis, as an ongoing survey reveals a dangerous decline in several fish species. Beyond the famed hilsa, the study identifies 25 common fish varieties that have disappeared from 14 major rivers in the region. Pollution and destructive fishing practices, including poison fishing, explosion fishing, and fine-net fishing, are cited as major contributors to this alarming trend.
The State Fisheries Minister is advocating for a comprehensive strategy that combines incentives and penalties to combat destructive fishing methods and restore fish populations and biodiversity. The disappearance of these fish species not only poses a threat to the delicate aquatic ecosystem but also endangers the livelihoods of local fishermen, many of whom are compelled to change their professions or migrate.
The survey underscores the urgent need for heightened public awareness among fishermen and villagers. Minister of State for Fisheries, Biplab Roychowdhury, suggests a “carrot-and-stick” approach, intending to reward those adhering to rules while penalizing violators.
Pollution emerges as a major culprit in this crisis, with the Sagardighi power plant rendering the Bhagirathi river devoid of fish 40 km downstream. Additionally, Kolaghat, once celebrated for its hilsa, has witnessed a decline in the species since the establishment of the Kolaghat thermal power plant.
Pradip Chatterjee from the National Platform for Small Scale Fish Workers (NPSSFW) points to the alarming rise in poison fishing, posing a severe risk to public health. Explosion fishing, involving the detonation of high-decibel bombs to force fish afloat, exacerbates the degradation of the fish ecosystem. These practices, combined with construction projects across rivers and the discharge of industrial effluents and household waste, raise serious concerns about food security in Bengal.
Sashanka Sekhar Dev, Secretary of Disha, emphasizes the urgency for action, stating that the rivers are dying, and so are the livelihoods of fishermen. The cumulative effect of destructive practices and environmental degradation poses a significant threat to the region’s food security and underscores the necessity for immediate intervention.