Reviving Biodiversity and Strengthening Riverine Fisheries through Science-Based River Ranching

9 June 2026, Barrackpore

ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Releases 35,000 Fingerlings in the Lower Ganga

In a major initiative to rejuvenate the aquatic biodiversity of the River Ganga and strengthen its fisheries resources, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, carried out a large-scale river ranching programme today at Daspara Ghat in the Lower Ganga under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

The programme witnessed the release of nearly 35,000 fish fingerlings, comprising indigenous species including rohu, catla, mrigal, calbasu, and bata, into the river ecosystem. The intervention is aimed at replenishing depleted fish stocks, conserving native fish diversity, enhancing fishery productivity, and supporting the long-term ecological sustainability of the Ganga.

The event was graced by Dr Devika Pillai, Assistant Director General (Inland Fisheries), ICAR, and Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, along with NMCG co-principal investigators, divisional heads, scientists, technical personnel, project scholars, administrative staff, field functionaries, and a large number of fishers and fish farmers from the region.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Devika Pillai highlighted the importance of scientifically designed stock enhancement programmes in restoring aquatic biodiversity and sustaining inland fisheries. She lauded ICAR-CIFRI’s evidence-based conservation initiatives under NMCG, noting that such interventions contribute significantly to the ecological rejuvenation of the Ganga while strengthening the livelihoods of river-dependent fishing communities.

Reflecting on the occasion, Dr Pradip Dey highlighted river ranching as a science-driven strategy for restoring native fish populations, conserving biodiversity, and revitalizing river ecosystems. He noted that the release of indigenous fish fingerlings strengthens ecosystem resilience and supports the livelihoods of fishers dependent on the Ganga. Dr Dey reaffirmed ICAR-CIFRI’s commitment to restoring the river’s aquatic heritage through sustained scientific interventions under the National Mission for Clean Ganga.He also emphasized the importance of continued policy support, institutional coordination, and community participation to ensure a healthier and more sustainable Ganga ecosystem for future generations.

The enthusiastic involvement of local fishers and fish farmers reflected a growing sense of community stewardship towards river conservation and highlighted the importance of collective action in promoting the sustainable management of fisheries resources and ecological health in the Ganga basin.

The programme reinforced the role of river ranching as an effective fisheries management tool and marked another significant step towards the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of the Ganga ecosystem through science-driven interventions.

(Source: ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore)