Manipur, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, is confronting a silent crisis beneath its shimmering waters. Indigenous fish species that have sustained local communities for generations are declining rapidly, primarily due to rampant illegal fishing practices and widespread habitat degradation. Environmentalists and experts are raising urgent alarms, warning that without immediate and decisive action, the state could lose a vital part of its ecological and cultural identity.
The latest reports from Imphal highlight the widespread use of destructive methods such as poisonous chemicals, electric currents, and even explosives in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. These practices inflict indiscriminate damage, killing not only adult fish but also juveniles and other aquatic organisms essential to the ecosystem. The problem intensifies during the critical breeding months of May and June, when fish populations are most vulnerable.
Root Causes of the Decline
Illegal fishing is not the sole culprit. A combination of factors has created a perfect storm for aquatic biodiversity loss. Shrinking wetlands, driven by encroachment, urbanization, and agricultural expansion, have drastically reduced natural habitats. Climate change, with its erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, further stresses water bodies. The excessive application of chemical fertilizers and insecticides in surrounding farmlands leads to pollution, contaminating rivers and lakes and disrupting the delicate balance of aquatic life.
Environmentalist Khangembam Shamungou has been vocal about the crisis. He notes that species adapted to stagnant or slow-moving waters, such as the Meetei Ngamu (Porom) and Ngakra (Catfish), have suffered particularly severe declines due to the degradation of swampy habitats. Shamungou attributes the broader issue to destructive human activities, changing climatic conditions, and the abandonment of traditional conservation wisdom.
Historically, Manipur boasted over 200 indigenous fish species, many of which played central roles in local diets, economies, and traditions. Iconic species like the Pengba (Osteobrama belangeri), recognized as the state fish and often referred to as the “Hilsa of Manipur,” have faced near-regional extinction in the wild. Infrastructure projects, notably the Ithai Barrage constructed decades ago on the Manipur River, have blocked ancient migratory routes for several species, preventing them from reaching breeding grounds. This man-made barrier remains a significant long-term threat.
Species Under Threat
The list of affected species is extensive and concerning:
- Meetei Ngamu or Porom (Striped Snakehead): A prized catch valued for its taste and cultural significance.
- Ngakichou (Guntea Loach): Known for inhabiting specific niches in the state’s water systems.
- Ngakra (Catfish): Once abundant, now increasingly rare.
- Pengba Tharak: The state fish, central to local identity.
- Khabak (Minor Carp), Nganap (Coolie Loach/Spiny Eel), Ngamhai (Glass Perchlet), Ngaton (Reba Carp), and Ngakha/Nganoi (Ticto Barb).
Many of these fish are no longer commonly found in markets or community ponds. Their scarcity has driven up prices, making them less accessible for everyday consumption and ritual purposes. In Meitei culture, certain fish species feature prominently in weddings, festivals, and other ceremonies, symbolizing prosperity and tradition. As supplies dwindle, these customs face disruption, eroding cultural continuity.
Socio-Economic and Ecological Ramifications
Fishing has been a traditional livelihood for thousands of families in Manipur, particularly around Loktak Lake and other wetlands. The decline in indigenous catches forces fishers toward unsustainable practices, further accelerating the crisis. Reduced fish availability impacts nutrition, income, and food security in a region where freshwater fish form a dietary staple.
Ecologically, the loss of native species disrupts food chains. Fish serve as both predators and prey, maintaining balance among insects, aquatic plants, and microorganisms. Their decline can lead to algal blooms, reduced water quality, and the proliferation of invasive species, compounding environmental degradation.
Broader global trends mirror Manipur’s challenges. Studies indicate that freshwater fish populations worldwide have plummeted, with migratory species experiencing up to 81% declines in some regions since 1970, driven by dams, pollution, and overexploitation. In Manipur, the situation is particularly acute due to the state’s unique geography and dense network of rivers and wetlands.
Government Initiatives and Community Efforts
The Manipur government has taken some steps toward conservation. Initiatives include the release of fishlings, such as one lakh Pengba fingerlings, and efforts to establish fish sanctuaries and promote ornamental fisheries for indigenous species. Awareness campaigns against illegal fishing methods have also been launched.
Fisheries departments and local experts advocate for ranching programs, aiming to replenish rivers with native fingerlings. There are also calls to revive traditional fish aggregating and conservation practices, such as “Phoom namba,” which historically helped sustain populations.
However, conservationists argue that enforcement remains weak. Despite existing regulations, destructive fishing continues unabated in many areas. They emphasize the need for stricter monitoring, especially during breeding seasons, along with community-led patrols and penalties for violators.
Path to Restoration: Recommendations
To reverse this decline, a multi-pronged strategy is essential:
- Strengthen Enforcement: Implement rigorous monitoring of water bodies and impose heavy penalties on the use of chemicals, electricity, and explosives.
- Habitat Restoration: Protect and restore wetlands through anti-encroachment drives and reforestation of catchment areas to improve water quality and flow.
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Promote captive breeding and ranching of indigenous species while discouraging the introduction of invasive varieties that compete with natives.
- Public Awareness: Launch widespread education campaigns in schools, villages, and markets highlighting the long-term consequences of destructive practices.
- Scientific Research and Monitoring: Conduct regular biodiversity surveys using tools like DNA barcoding to track populations and combat illegal trafficking of ornamental fish.
- Community Involvement: Empower local fishing communities by reviving traditional knowledge and providing alternative livelihoods during closed seasons.
Integrating these measures with climate adaptation strategies could build resilience. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, environmentalists, and local stakeholders will be key to success.
A Call to Preserve Manipur’s Legacy
The decline of indigenous fish species in Manipur is more than an environmental issue — it is a threat to the state’s cultural fabric, economic stability, and ecological health. Species like Pengba and Porom are not merely fish; they are threads in the rich tapestry of Manipuri life.
As wetlands shrink and pressures mount, the time for action is now. By combining modern science with traditional wisdom and enforcing sustainable practices, Manipur can safeguard its aquatic heritage. The future of its rivers, lakes, and the communities that depend on them hangs in the balance. Failure to act decisively could result in irreversible losses, but concerted efforts offer hope for revival.
The people of Manipur have a proud history of living in harmony with nature. Rediscovering that balance could ensure that future generations continue to witness the vibrant underwater world that has defined the state for centuries. Urgent, collective responsibility today will determine whether Manipur’s waters remain teeming with life or echo with silence tomorrow.
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