ICAR-CIFRI advances Ganga rejuvenation with community-led river ranching initiative in West Bengal

Barrackpore, May 2026 : Reinforcing its commitment to ecological restoration of the river Ganga under the flagship Namami Gange programme, ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) successfully conducted a National River Ranching Programme at the Balagarh–Somra Bazar stretch of the Ganga in Hooghly district, West Bengal. The initiative focused on replenishing declining fish stocks, conserving indigenous fish diversity, and strengthening the riverine ecosystem through community participation.

The programme was organized in the presence of Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, and Dr. S.K. Manna, Project Coordinator, NMCG (Phase-III). Field operations were coordinated by Dr. D. Bhakta, Dr. Suman Kumari, and Ms. T.N. Chanu, supported by NMCG project staff and scholars.

In a strong demonstration of participatory conservation, over 35 local fishers, including significant participation of women from nearby communities, actively joined the programme. Around 33,500 hatchery-produced fish fingerlings weighing nearly 203 kg were released into the Ganga. The ranching stock comprised Indian Major Carps—Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal—along with Bata, aimed at restoring native fish populations and enhancing aquatic biodiversity.

The initiative is part of ICAR-CIFRI’s broader river restoration efforts under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), through which the institute has already achieved the landmark release of more than one crore fish fingerlings across multiple Indian states, contributing substantially to river ecosystem recovery.

Addressing the local community, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, underscored the importance of community stewardship, sustainable fisheries, and curbing plastic pollution in rejuvenating the river Ganga. He noted that restoring native fish populations and protecting aquatic biodiversity are critical for strengthening the Blue Economy, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting ecological resilience. Dr. Dey further emphasized that sustained support through science, public participation, and institutional collaboration is vital for securing the future of the Ganga and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat through inclusive and sustainable riverine development.

The programme received enthusiastic support from local fishers, who appreciated ICAR-CIFRI’s sustained interventions for improving fish availability, strengthening livelihoods, and safeguarding the rich indigenous fish heritage of the Gangetic ecosystem.

The programme was implemented under the aegis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, through theNational Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

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