Guwahati, April 5: Leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak organised a Community Consultation on ‘Conserving rivers and wetlands in Majuli for riparian livelihood security’ at the Mahabahu Resort, Bengena-Ati, Majuli.

More than 40 representatives from 13 villages of the Central Majuli region attended the meeting and expressed their views on the importance of preserving and rejuvenating the degraded rivers and wetlands in Majuli for augmenting the dwindling fish-based livelihoods of the riparian communities.

The meeting was presided by Jugal Hazarika, noted social worker of Majuli. Sri Hazarika, in his opening remarks, mentioned about various field-based research studies that Aaranyak has been carrying out in Majuli over last 15 years. He appreciated the science driven organisation Aaranyak for its continuous engagement on Majuli’s burning environmental issues such as flood and erosion, climate change adaptation, and preservation of its degraded rivers and wetlands.

Dr Partha J Das, Senior Scientist and head of ‘Water, Climate and Hazard (WATCH) Division’ of Aaranyak, while welcoming the participants apprised them of Aaranyak’s recent initiatives in Majuli for raising public awareness for protecting its water bodies and rejuvenating the degraded wetlands and rivers.

Dr Das said ‘During our recent field research carried out all over Majuli, we observed that a number of wetlands and river stretches have undergone significant eco-hydrological degradation mainly due to loss of hydrological connectivity with the Brahmaputra and among the waterbodies themselves. Degeneration of aquatic ecosystems is visible in the form of excessive growth of water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds and vegetation on the water bodies leading to eutrophication, water pollution and dwindling production of fish in the wetlands, resulting finally in loss of income by the fisher folks of Majuli’.

‘Therefore, preserving these wetlands and rivers in healthy condition is key to securing livelihoods of thousands of families that depend on the water bodies and their resources for making a living’., Dr Das added.

Dr Rajen Bora, a well-known environmental and social activist of Majuli who participated as an invited guest, appealed to the community members to act proactively for cleaning and rejuvenating the dying wetlands through collective efforts so that the people get back their fish wealth and income generating opportunities.

Several village leaders (Gram Pradhan), fish harvesters and fish traders also spoke on the occasion expressing their views on the issues under discussion. They mentioned about the threats and challenges to their livelihoods and how their fish-based vocations are increasingly becoming vulnerable due to rapid loss of fish stock and variety. 

They made an appeal to the Government of Assam to restore the dying wetlands and help the fisherfolks regain their economic self-reliance. They also opined that preserving natural water ways and river linkages was crucial for the wetlands to become vibrant and productive again.  They thanked the state government for cleaning the Tuni river expressed their hope that the authorities will take measures to keep the Tuni river flowing with clean water so that its fish stocking capacity increases.

The discussions and interactions organised on April 2 last highlighted the need of resurrecting the dying wetlands located around the Tuni River such as 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.

The participants also prepared a map of the water bodies that they use for fishing with their villages located around, following participatory mapping techniques under the guidance of Sri Jugal Hazarika.