Reviving the Kidney of Kolkata: EKW Stakeholders Unite for Sustainable Fisheries.

Oct 2025 : An awareness program on Conservation and Fisheries Enhancement for sustainable production was organised today, 26th October 2025 by ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) at Jhagrasisha Bheri, located within the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), a Ramsar Site, which is famously known as the “Kidney of Kolkata”.

Supported financially by the East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA) under the Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal, the initiative aimed to benefit the livelihoods of 1.5 lakh people dependent on the wetland ecosystem spread across 6000 hectares. The event saw active participation from 110 stakeholders, including farmers and fishers from Jhagrasisha and nearby bheries.

While addressing the gathering, Dr. B K Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to reverse the declining trend in fish production, which has dropped from 20,000 metric tons to 10,000 tons despite the expansion of the wetland area. He stated, “Sustaining fisheries production in EKW is not just a scientific challenge but a community mission. We urge every stakeholder to actively engage in disease control, species diversification, and market strengthening to ensure long-term ecological and economic resilience”.

Dr. Ms. Dhruba Dasgupta, Director of SCOPE, highlighted the transformation of the wetland’s executive committee from a feudal system to a cooperative structure and encouraged farmers to support the newly reframed Functional Cooperative Society (FCS). Biswajit Saha, Secretary of Jhagrasisha Bheri, called for unity among FCS members to preserve the legacy of this vital wetland.

Dr. S. Samanta, Nodal Scientist of the EKW project, detailed CIFRI’s activities over the past two years, including the stocking of 5000 “singhi – Heteropneustes fossilis”, and “tangra – Mystus tengara”, fish in adjacent ponds to boost high-value fisheries.

Dr. S. K. Manna addressed disease and pest management strategies, while Dr. A. K. Das recalled the ecological significance of EKW in protecting Kolkata from flooding during recent heavy rains. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Liamthuamluia, wrapping up the discussions and reinforcing the commitment to sustainable wetland management.

Team Maverick