Harmful fishing methods deal death blow to water bodies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 06 2025: In a shocking display of neglect, authorities continue to turn a blind eye to the widespread use of chemicals and electricity in fishing that are poisoning water bodies and aquatic life.

Despite the devastating consequences, the harmful practice persists, with no concrete commitment from authorities to curb the menace.

Moreover, the rampant use of poisonous chemicals and electricity in fishing has raised concerns about the fate of indigenous fish species such as Meetei Ngamu, Ngakichou, Ngakra, Porom, Pengba Tharak, Khabak, Nganap, Ngamhai, Ngaton, Ngakha, Nganoi etc.

Harmful fishing methods deal death blow to water bodies

The concern about the decline of indigenous fish species extends beyond environmental concerns, as it also leads to a change in the State's culture.

Traditional practices, customs, and cuisine, deeply rooted in the State aquatic heritage, are also being eroded as the iconic fish species disappear.

Rituals which require the offering of indigenous fish species like Meetei Ngamu and Ngakra have been compromised, with devotees forced to use readily available fish due to the scarcity of indigenous species in the market.

In an exclusive conversation with The Sangai Express, environmentalist Khangembam Shamungou painted a dire picture of Manipur's aquatic ecosystem, revealing that numerous fish species, once abundant in lakes and rivers, have vanished.

He also said that human activities, coupled with climate change and altered rainfall patterns, have led to the disappearance of many small lakes.

Porom and Ngakra, the two fish species that thrive in still water bodies, have become a rare sight in recent times, the environmentalist added.

Saying that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in farming is one of the biggest factors behind the disappearance of fish from swampy areas, Samungou recalled the days when Tharaikuppi and Naosek were extensively sighted during farming and monsoon seasons.

However, he lamented that these once-familiar insects have become scarce, and the younger generation may never experience the joy of witnessing them in their natural habitat.

Continuing that the drastic changes seen in Manipur's ecosystem are signs of a looming catastrophe, the environmentalist attributed these changes to the destructive impact of human activities.

How will aquatic life survive if there are no water bodies, he asked and added that the use of chemicals and electricity in fishing, apart from climate change, poses a serious threat to aquatic life.

He went on to state that the use of bombs for fishing is a widespread and destructive practice in the hill districts of Manipur.

Humans are paying the price for their environmentally destructive actions, Shamungou said.

Saying that the disappearance of indigenous fish species in Manipur has a profound impact on the State's culture too, he maintained that the traditional practice of serving Nganap, to the bride and groom on their wedding day has been disrupted due to the scarcity of this species.

He went on to state that Meetei Ngamu is also integral to Meetei wedding rituals but despite its cultural significance, the fish species has become a rare and an expensive species making it increasingly difficult for families to include it in their wedding ceremonies.

The Meetei wedding tradition of releasing fish into local ponds is also disappearing, as many families are now keeping fish in buckets instead due to the alarming disappearance of ponds from localities, he said and added that the traditional practice of releasing fish into local ponds had a remarkable benefit as it helped increase the fish population.

He further said that catching fish during their breeding season (May-June) is another critical factor contributing to the decline of fish population.