Ganga Innovation Meet 2026 Puts Spotlight on Golden Mahaseer Conservation

Barrackpore, West Bengal; January 2026: The endangered Golden Mahaseer (Tor putitora), a flagship species of Himalayan rivers and a key indicator of riverine health, has emerged as a focal point at the Ganga Innovation Meet 2026, being held at ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR–CIFRI), Barrackpore. The national-level meet is organised under the Government of India’s Namami Gange Programme.

The central theme of the meet —“Biodiversity Conservation, Stock Enhancement & Small-scale Fisheries in the Ganga River Basin”, brings together scientists, policymakers and field practitioners to exchange scientific evidence, policy perspectives and grassroots experiences on aquatic biodiversity conservation and native fish stock restoration. Mahaseer conservation forms an integral component of the deliberations under the “stock enhancement” agenda.

Once abundant in the upper reaches of the Ganga in Uttarakhand, populations of the Golden Mahaseer have sharply declined, leading to its listing as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Addressing this challenge, ICAR–CIFRI, in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), has been implementing coordinated conservation, breeding and river ranching initiatives from the Koteshwar Fish Hatchery in Uttarakhand. These efforts aim to restore native fish stocks, enhance river biodiversity and strengthen community participation.

Under the Namami Gange river ranching programme, ICAR–CIFRI has undertaken artificial breeding, seed production and release of native species, including Mahaseer, across the Ganga basin. Notably, approximately 38,500 Mahaseer fingerlings have been released at Tehri, Devprayag, Rishikesh and Haridwar from 2017 to date as part of high-profile ranching activities conducted under the National Ranching Programme, with participation from CIFRI scientists and NMCG biodiversity experts.

With Phase III of the Namami Gange project emphasising stock enhancement, ICAR–CIFRI’s role extends beyond ranching to include scientific assessment of fish populations and captive breeding support at the Koteshwar facility. The institute applies improved hatchery techniques, careful brood stock selection and genetic health monitoring to ensure ecological balance and long-term sustainability.

The Ganga Innovation Meet 2026 thus positions the Golden Mahaseer not only as a symbol of Himalayan river ecology but also as a cornerstone of India’s science-driven river restoration efforts.

Golden Mahseer conservation focuses on tackling threats like pollution, habitat loss (especially from dams), and overfishing through captive breeding, habitat restoration, community engagement, and raising awareness, recognizing it as a vital indicator species for Himalayan river health. Key strategies involve scientific research, habitat protection in crucial river stretches (like India’s Ganga basin), and involving local communities, anglers, and governments to implement sustainable practices and promote the species as a flagship for river conservation.

Key Threats To Golden Mahaseer:

• Habitat Loss & Degradation: Large dams, river regulation, and pollution destroy spawning grounds and migration routes.

• Overfishing: High demand as a game and food fish puts immense pressure on wild populations.

• Climate Change: Sensitivity to water temperature, oxygen levels, and sudden changes.

Conservation Strategies:

• Captive Breeding & Reintroduction: Hatcheries raise and release millions of Mahseer to bolster wild populations, improving nutrition and survival rates.

• Habitat Protection: Identifying and protecting critical habitats, especially spawning and nursing areas, in river systems like the Ganga, Kosi, and others.

• Community Based Conservation: Engaging villagers, students, and local leaders through awareness campaigns and alternative livelihoods to build local stewardship.

• Research & Monitoring: Assessing population status, dynamics, and migration routes using scientific surveys.

• Policy & Advocacy: Promoting the Golden Mahseer as a flagship species for Himalayan river conservation and advocating for protective legal measures.

• Governmental Initiatives: Programs initiated by the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute  have successfully brought these species to least concern status through long-term initiatives.