The Mahseer fish, often referred to as the tiger of freshwater, faces a critical threat to its existence in the Narmada River due to impediments in the natural flow caused by the construction of various dams.
A conservation expert, Dr. Shriparna Saxena, who has collaborated with the forest department for two decades in Mahseer conservation, highlighted the alarming decline in their numbers.
A survey from 1964 indicated that there were 25 Mahseer for every 100 fish in the Narmada River. However, due to dam construction and human intervention, the population has dwindled to less than one percent, according to Dr. Saxena.
In response to this environmental challenge, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced a forthcoming campaign, set to begin next month, aimed at saving the endangered Mahseer fish species. The Narmada River, originating from Amarkantak and flowing into the Gulf of Khambhat, has witnessed a drastic reduction in Mahseer sightings, with fishermen reporting rare encounters occurring once in six months.
Dr. Saxena recalled a notable finding in 2017, where a five-feet four-inch Mahseer weighing 17 kg was discovered in the river at Khalghat in Dhar district—a size that has not been observed since. Major dams, including Bargi, Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar, and Maheshwar, along with the Sardar Sarovar dam in Gujarat, have contributed to the hindrance of the Narmada’s natural flow.
In response to queries about the existential crisis faced by Mahseer due to dam construction, Kalpana Shrivastava, Principal Secretary of MP Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Development Department, asserted the necessity of dams while acknowledging the importance of Mahseer conservation. The state is launching the Mukhyamantri Matsya Vikas Yojana to increase the Mahseer population, with hopes for a significant rise in numbers over the next two years.
Under this program, Mahseer fish seeds will be planted in tributaries such as Denwa and Tawa. Emphasizing the importance of Mahseer in maintaining biodiversity, Purushottam Dhiman, Managing Director of State Fisheries Federation, stated that the presence of Mahseer in the Narmada signifies the purity of its water. As a conservation measure, fishermen have been advised to release Mahseer alive if caught in their nets, further contributing to the preservation efforts for this endangered species.