Rejuvenating the Ganga: Monsoon Ranching of ‘Native Bata’ Begins.

In a powerful blend of science, stewardship, and community engagement, ICAR–CIFRI (Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute), Barrackpore, spearheaded a major River Ranching programme at Barendrapara Ghat, Belur in the Howrah District.

Under National Ranching Programme III, and supported by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), 91,000 brood fish of bata (Labeo bata), each weighing approximately 50 gram, were released into the Ganga to trigger natural spawning during the forthcoming monsoon. The Labeo Bata attains a maximum length of 25–35 centimetres (9.8–13.8 inch), and mainly feeds on protozoa, algae, and tiny fishes.

The ceremony, marked by the serene flow of the river and the community involvement, was led by Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, alongside local dignitaries. Their presence underscored the meticulous, science-backed approach aimed at both reviving fish populations and strengthening livelihoods for dependent communities.

Highlighting institutional commitment, the event was graced by Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICARCIFRI, alongside officials from CIFRI. Their presence reaffirmed the application of science-based interventions to revive riverine ecosystems. A total of 52 local fishers participated in the release, reinforcing strong community involvement and emphasising the project’s rootedness in local economies.

This release is part of a nationwide effort. ICARCIFRI has so far released around 180 lakh fish fingerlings across multiple stretches of the Ganga to restore depleted fish stocks and enrich biodiversity. Out of which 124 lakhs were released in West Bengal alone till date.

Specifically in West Bengal, more than 12 lakh Indian Major Carps (IMC) fingerlings (including Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, and Oliva barb) were released in multiple events — a move that helped boost local fish catches by approximately 8%. Building on these achievements, the latest release strengthens regional ecological resilience, preparing for monsoon’s fertility surge. This initiative—part of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)—aims to rejuvenate the river’s biodiversity, support sustainable inland fisheries.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

1. Ecosystem Restoration – Bata’s release enriches genetic diversity in the Ganga — rebuilding native fish communities weakened by overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss.

• Community-Centric Approach – With 52 local fishers directly engaged, the initiative empowers riparian communities, equipping them to steward their aquatic resources.

• Scientific Precision – Each brood fish was carefully selected and bred in controlled hatchery environments, ensuring quality and fitness for natural spawning.

• Integrated Mission – The ranching effort dovetails with NMCG goals — merging water quality improvement with fishery conservation to ensure a holistic rejuvenation of the Ganga Basin.

Mineral Content (per 100 grams)

Proximate Composition (per 100 grams)

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