World Environment Day Observed: Fishers Join ICAR-CIFRI to Combat Plastic Pollution in River Ganga.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, ICAR-CIFRI led a large scale awareness campaign focused on the threats of plastic pollution in the River Ganga, mobilising more than 1,100 fishers, including over 200 women fishers, across various riverbank locations in West Bengal.

Under this year’s global theme, “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution”, the institute organised a series of cleanliness drives, rallies, community engagement activities, and educational programs. The efforts were carried out in close coordination with the Namami Gange Mission, targeting banks and river stretches that are vital both ecologically and economically. Across several Ganga adjacent towns and villages, ICAR-CIFRI scientists, environmental volunteers, and fisherfolk came together to clean riverbanks, raise awareness on the dangers of plastic waste, and promote sustainable river management practices.

The clean-up drives were not only symbolic but also highly impactful in physically removing significant amounts of plastic debris that threaten aquatic life. The programme placed special emphasis on educating communities about how plastic disrupts aquatic ecosystems, including commercially important species like Indian Major Carps (IMC) and Hilsa, both of which are under threat due to habitat degradation. Informative sessions were held to show how plastic pollution enters the food chain, affecting not only fish but also human health.

Local women’s self-help groups and fisher cooperatives played a crucial role, sharing firsthand experiences of how plastic waste has led to a decline in fish catch quality and has caused substantial damage to traditional fishing gears. Their voices added urgency to the collective call for change.

The observance concluded with a pledge-taking ceremony, where all participants vowed to reduce plastic use, keep their surroundings clean and plastic-free, and actively participate in the restoration of the Ganga River. The event symbolised a growing grassroots movement, led by those whose livelihood depend mostly on the river, to restore the health and sanctity of one of India’s most revered water bodies.

The initiative has reinforced ICAR-CIFRI’s commitment in blending scientific outreach with community participation, ensuring that fisheries and river health go hand in hand in the mission to rejuvenate the Ganga.

Team Maverick