The Ganga River: Sustaining Life and Livelihoods with ICAR-CIFRI’s Efforts

The River Ganga often referred to as “the lifeline of India” flows through three distinct regions: the Himalayas, the Gangetic Plain, and the Coastal Zone. As one of the most culturally and historically significant rivers in the world, it has been the cradle of civilizations and continues to nourish millions of lives today.

 

Beyond its cultural value, the Ganga supports an incredible variety of life. For millions of riverine fishers, it is the source of their livelihood. With 3,795 fishing villages spread across five states and 47 districts, fishing is the primary occupation for communities along its stretch. However, human activities have led to habitat degradation, threatening the rich biodiversity and the livelihoods dependent on it.

The Importance of Understanding Fishers’ Lives

Fishers form the backbone of the communities dependent on the Ganga, but their challenges are often overlooked. Conducting studies on their socio-economic conditions not only helps in understanding their struggles but also paves the way for better policies to improve their lives.

A recent study (2022-2023) covered 379 fishing villages across the Ganga’s 2,378 km stretch. The findings highlight the current state of fish stocks, fishers’ socio-economic conditions, and what needs to be done to secure their future.

 

Annual Fish Catch and Productivity

The study revealed that the annual fish catch across the Ganga is 56,387.24 tonnes per year, with significant variations in productivity. The middle and lower stretches of the river are more productive than the upper stretch. Seasonal differences were also observed, with fishers reporting higher catches during summer and winter months. Understanding these patterns helps identify the best periods for fishing while ensuring sustainable practices.

Demographics of Fishers

The fishing community along the Ganga is relatively young, with 36% of fishers aged up to 35 years. Interestingly, age distributions vary across the river’s stretches. In the upper stretch, a significant 43% of fishers are young, while the middle stretch has 39%, and the lower stretch has a greater number of middle-aged fishers. This shift indicates regional differences in the labor force and the challenges younger fishers might face in entering the profession downstream.

Education Levels

Education levels among fishers remain low, with 44% having only primary education. This trend is consistent across the upper, middle, and lower stretches, with slight variations. Limited education affects the ability of fishers to diversify their skills, adopt advanced techniques, or engage in alternative livelihoods. Addressing this gap through educational programs and skill development is critical for empowering the community.

 

Fishing Experience

The experience of fishers varies across regions. In the upper stretch, 38% of fishers have up to 10 years of experience, indicating a younger demographic engaged in fishing. In the middle and lower stretches, more fishers fall into the 11–20 years of experience range. These differences underline the need to support younger fishers upstream and provide resources for experienced fishers downstream to sustain their livelihoods.

 

Occupations of Fishers

Fishing is the primary occupation for 88% of fishers along the Ganga, underscoring its significance to their livelihoods. A small proportion engage in secondary activities like wage labor (6.64%), farming (3.05%), or livestock rearing (1.8%). Despite fishing being the mainstay, many fishers face economic challenges, highlighting the need for diversification and financial support.

 

Use of Fishing Gear

Most fishers rely on a combination of fishing gears, with gill nets being the most commonly used. The study also found a decline in fishing craft ownership downstream, where fishers increasingly rely on hired crafts. In contrast, upstream fishers showed higher craft ownership (100%), indicating disparities in resource accessibility and affordability. These findings emphasize the need for equitable distribution of resources and support for downstream fishers.

Income Levels

Income disparities were evident among fishers across the Ganga’s stretches. Fishers in the lower stretch earn the highest monthly income (₹11,273.70), followed by the middle stretch (₹8,430.00) and the upper stretch (₹5,950.39). These variations reflect differences in fish availability, market access, and fishing infrastructure. Boosting incomes, especially in the upper and middle stretches, requires targeted interventions such as better market linkages and enhanced fishing practices.

 

Challenges and Future Opportunities

The challenges faced by Ganga’s fishers are significant but not insurmountable. Declining fish stocks, pollution, and seasonal productivity variations affect their livelihoods. However, opportunities exist to turn the tide. Efforts like improving water quality, raising awareness about sustainable fishing, and promoting river ranching can make a difference.

Steps towards a Sustainable Future: ICAR-CIFRI’s intervention

• Clean Water Initiatives: Strengthening programs like the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to reduce pollution and improve water quality.
• Education and Awareness: Implementing awareness campaigns on biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices to protect the river ecosystem.
• Skill Development: Providing training to fishers on modern fishing techniques and alternative livelihood options.
• River Ranching: Boosting fish populations through hatchery-based releases to ensure sustainable stocks.
• Resource Accessibility: Ensuring equitable access to fishing crafts and gears, especially for downstream communities.

These activities have been continuously prioritized by the NMCG team of ICAR-CIFRI.

Conclusion

The Ganga River is more than just a water body; it is a lifeline for millions. Protecting its biodiversity and improving the livelihoods of its fishers require a collaborative approach involving communities, policymakers, and environmental organizations. With focused efforts, the initiatives of ICAR-CIFRI, associated with NMCG are paving the way for a sustainable future for the river and the people who depend on it.