Assam: Community consultation on conserving rivers and wetlands held in Majuli

GUWAHATI: Leading biodiversity conservation organization Aaranyak organized a community consultation on “Conserving rivers and wetlands in Majuli for riparian livelihood security” at 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 over by Jugal Hazarika, noted social worker of Majuli. Hazarika, in his opening remarks, mentioned various field-based research studies that Aaranyak has been carrying out in Majuli over the last 15 years. He appreciated the science-driven organization 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 the ‘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 several wetlands and river stretches have undergone significant eco-hydrological degradation, mainly due to loss of hydrological connectivity with the Brahmaputra and among the water bodies 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 for the fisher folks of Majuli.”

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

They made an appeal to the government of Assam to restore the dying wetlands and help the fisher folks regain their economic self-reliance. They also opined that preserving natural waterways and river linkages was crucial for the wetlands to become vibrant and productive again, stated a press release.

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