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Field Day-cum-Awareness Programme on Conservation of Endemic Fish Species of Teesta River, Sikkim

23^rd - 25^th May, 2025
Location: Teesta River Basin, Sikkim ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, and ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Govt. of Sikkim, conducted three awareness field days on ‘Conservation of endemic fish species of Teesta River, Sikkim’ in Teesta River and its tributaries during 23-25 May 2025, at Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi districts, Sikkim. The program was organised under the overall guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; Ms. Roshni Rai, Secretary, DoF, Sikkim; Mr. K. K. Shrestha, Director, DoF, Sikkim, and Dr. S. K. Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI, Guwahati. The program was attended by 50 fishers, including scientists and staff from ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; ICAR-CIFRI, Guwahati; assistant directors and DoF officials from all three districts of Sikkim; and students from SRM University, Sikkim.

During the three-day program, Dr. Niti Sharma, scientist from the ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, presented on the status and significance of endemic fish species in the Teesta River of Sikkim. Dr. S. C. S. Das, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CIFRI, Regional Centre, Guwahati, emphasised the significance of the banned season and the ecology of the habitat. Dr. Dibakar Bhakta, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CIFRI in Barrackpore, addressed the conservation status and necessary measures for endemic fish species, including the release of mature and juvenile fish back into the river system. Mr. Naresh Sunar, Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries for the Government of Sikkim, along with his team, urged fishers to refrain from fishing during the prohibited season and to inform others about the season and the significance of fish conservation.

The initiative aimed to enhance awareness among local communities, fishers, and students about the various fish species inhabiting the Teesta River and the urgent need for conservation of its endemic species, many of which face threats from habitat degradation, unregulated fishing, and climate change. The program included field demonstrations, interactive sessions, and the distribution of awareness materials in local languages. The program also highlighted the socio-economic benefits of maintaining aquatic biodiversity for ongoing ecological and livelihood security. The initiative received favourable responses from participants and is expected to encourage continued collaborative efforts to protect Sikkim's unique riverine biodiversity.