ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Mobilises Communities across Sikkim to Safeguard Himalayan River Fish Diversity

7-14 July 2026, Gangtok/Barrackpore

In a major push to conserve the fragile aquatic biodiversity of the eastern Himalayas, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, spearheaded a week-long field survey and awareness campaign across Sikkim, bringing scientists, government agencies and local communities together to protect the state's unique riverine fish wealth.

The campaign, titled "Management of Aquatic Resources in Open Waters of Sikkim," was conducted from July 7 to 14 in collaboration with the ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim. Covering the districts of Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, Soreng and Namchi, the initiative combined scientific assessment, community outreach and conservation awareness to strengthen sustainable fisheries management in the Teesta River basin.

The programme was conceptualised under the leadership of Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, and implemented with the support of Ms. Roshni Rai, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim; and Shri K. K. Shrestha, Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim.

As part of the initiative, ICAR-CIFRI scientists conducted extensive field surveys and experimental fishing in the Teesta River, Rangeet River and their tributaries to assess fish diversity, habitat quality and the conservation status of endemic cold-water fish species. The surveys also documented valuable traditional ecological knowledge from local fishing communities, offering insights into long-term changes in fish populations, river ecology and fisheries.

The awareness programme featured a series of technical sessions highlighting the ecological significance of Himalayan river ecosystems and the urgent need for sustainable fisheries management. The Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, spoke on the diversity and conservation status of endemic fish species of the Teesta River system.

Shri Surendra Bhandari, Assistant Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim, appealed to fishing communities to strictly observe seasonal fishing bans and actively support conservation efforts.

"The Teesta River basin is one of India's most valuable freshwater ecosystems, harbouring a remarkable diversity of endemic fish species that require science-based conservation and sustainable management," said Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI. "Conserving this unique aquatic biodiversity calls for a shared commitment from scientists, government agencies and local communities. Through collaborative research, responsible fisheries management and community participation, ICAR-CIFRI remains committed to generating scientific knowledge and supporting evidence-based strategies that will help safeguard these invaluable riverine resources for future generations."

The campaign also highlighted the increasing threats facing Himalayan rivers, including habitat degradation, hydropower development, indiscriminate fishing and climate change. Through field demonstrations, interactive discussions and awareness materials distributed in local languages, participants were encouraged to become active partners in conserving river ecosystems and protecting Sikkim's native fish biodiversity.

By combining scientific research with community participation, the initiative underscored the ecological and socio-economic importance of healthy river systems in sustaining fisheries-based livelihoods across the Himalayan region. The enthusiastic response from stakeholders is expected to further strengthen collaboration between ICAR-CIFRI, the Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim and local communities for the long-term conservation and sustainable management of the Teesta River basin's unique aquatic biodiversity.

More than 150 participants including fishers, fish farmers, students, scientists and fisheries officials actively participated in the campaign.

(Source: ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, West Bengal)