Fish population in Chalou river dips, chemical use in river banned
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, May 28 2019: The rapid decrease in the catch from Challou river has triggered serious concern and worries among many villagers living on the extreme northern villages of Jessami block in Ukhrul district.

Some of indigenous fishes that are found abundantly in Challou river such as Mapri, Mapritah, Marui, Maitro, Kaprou, Maishou, Kashangla Changkhui khai etc (local dialect) in Challou river have started to disappear and the fish population has declined enormously in the last 3-4 years, said Pomi Zimik secretary of Wahong village.

The villagers believe that the rapid disappearance of aquatic life in Challou river is due to excessive and uncontrolled use of chemicals, explosives and electrocution method used by fishermen while fishing in the river.

They mentioned that more than 25 varieties of fish were found abundantly in the river and fishing is one of the main sources of income for the villagers.

According to villagers, in the past one person could catch about 5-10 kgs of fish in a day using the traditional style of fishing.

Dried fishes cost Rs 450-Rs 500 per kg at the village at present while the rate increases to Rs 1000-Rs 1200/-perkginotherplaces.They said traditional method of fishing has no negative impact on aquatic life but the introduction of later techniques of fishing has disturbed the biodiversity chain of Challou river and gradually some aquatic life have disappeared from the river.

This has caused a direct impact on the economy of the people, threatening their income.

The neighbouring villages of Wahong, Old Wahong ,Tusom Cv, Tusom Kl and Soraphung under also under the impact of the disappearance of aquatic life in the river.

To address the issue, the villagers held a joint meeting in April to formulate and regulate a policy for fishing in Challou river.

The villages unanimously resolved to ban use of chemicals, explosives and electrocution fishing within their jurisdiction with immediate effect.

Tangkhul traditional method of fishing is permissible with prior permission from the village authority, and any violators of the fishing policy would be dealt with seriously as per the customs of the Tangkhul community, it was agreed.

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