Guwahati: Leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak recently organised a community consultation on “Conserving Rivers and Wetlands in Majuli for Riparian Livelihood Security” at Mahabahu Resort, Bengena-Ati, Majuli.
Over 40 representatives from 13 villages in Central Majuli attended the event and shared their views on the need to preserve and rejuvenate the region’s degraded rivers and wetlands, which are vital for sustaining fish-based livelihoods.
The consultation was presided over by noted Majuli social worker Jugal Hazarika, who commended Aaranyak’s field-based research in the region over the past 15 years. He praised the science-driven organisation for its commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues such as flood and erosion, climate change adaptation, and the degradation of water bodies.
Welcoming the participants, Dr Partha J. Das, Senior Scientist and Head of the Water, Climate and Hazard (WATCH) Division of Aaranyak, outlined recent awareness and conservation efforts in Majuli.
“During our recent field studies across Majuli, we found that several wetlands and river stretches have undergone severe eco-hydrological degradation, mainly due to the loss of hydrological connectivity with the Brahmaputra and between the water bodies themselves,” Dr Das said. He pointed out the visible degeneration of aquatic ecosystems, marked by the excessive growth of water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds, eutrophication, pollution, and the alarming decline of fish production — all of which directly impact the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
Dr Rajen Bora, a well-known environmental and social activist from Majuli, appealed to community members to take proactive, collective action to clean and revive the wetlands, which are essential for restoring fish populations and income opportunities.
Village leaders, fish harvesters, and fish traders spoke about the increasing vulnerability of their fish-based livelihoods due to declining fish stocks and diversity. They urged the Assam government to take urgent steps to restore dying wetlands and help fisherfolk regain economic self-reliance.
They thanked the government for cleaning the Tuni river and expressed hope that authorities would maintain its flow and water quality to enhance fish productivity.
The consultation, held on April 2, also highlighted the urgent need to restore key wetlands around the Tuni River, including Shaola Gatanga, Bhuramora, Gereki, Chandamora, Batamari, Sholmari, Jorbeel, Saru Hahsora, Bor Hahsora, Dighali Beel, Moloha Khowa, Kachari Boka, Checha Beel, Sengeli Dubi, Oudubi, Tekeli Dubi, and Bhoga Shaikia.
Participants engaged in participatory mapping to identify the water bodies they use for fishing, guided by Sri Jugal Hazarika.
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