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ICAR-CIFRI conducted monsoon survey of middle Ganga at Buxar and Patna

25^th September, 2025
ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, executed a four-day monsoon sampling and monitoring operation along the middle stretches of the Ganga River in Buxar and Patna from September 20 to 23, 2025, under the NMCG (phase III) project. The study sought to evaluate the river's biological health during the high-flow monsoon season, a critical period affecting river dynamics and fishing resources.

Seasonal flooding impacts biodiversity, fish reproduction, and habitat productivity in river ecosystems. The CIFRI team collected water, sediment, and fish samples to assess the impact of monsoon hydrology on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The monsoon waters introduce a new set of traits into the river's ecosystem.

The survey recorded over 48 finfish species, in addition prawns and crabs, highlighting the rich diversity of this river stretch. Notable taxa included Clupisoma garua, Indian Major Carps (IMCs) such as Labeo catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, and Labeo calbasu, along with various other catfishes like Rita rita, Mystus spp., Wallago attu, and Sperata spp. Additionally, clupeids such as Gudusia chapra, freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium spp.), and several small indigenous fish species, including Amblypharyngodon mola and Puntius spp., were recorded. Numerous juvenile carps and catfishes were noted, signifying active reproduction during the season.
The main fishing gear observed throughout the survey comprised boat-operated lift nets, hook-and-line nets, and gill nets. These gears illustrate the dominant fishing techniques in the area, targeting various fish species and substantially supporting the livelihoods of riverine fishing communities.

Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) ranged from 5.5 to 15.5 kg/boat/day in the Buxar regions, indicating improved fishing prospects for local communities. The survey stressed the importance of floodplains and shallow habitats as nursery grounds for juvenile fish, highlighting the ecological effects of seasonal floods.
The team engaged with local fishermen and communities in Buxar and Patna while also performing scientific sampling. These encounters facilitated the documentation of indigenous knowledge concerning fish availability and migration patterns, while simultaneously raising awareness of sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of fish populations.

The preliminary findings of this survey will contribute to a comprehensive national study of the Ganga River system, supporting the development of strategies for river restoration and sustainable inland fisheries under the NMCG flagship program.
This scientific voyage underscores ICAR-CIFRI’s commitment to enhancing inland fisheries productivity, conserving India’s rich aquatic biodiversity, and ensuring livelihood security for riverine fishers in Bihar and beyond.
The overall programme was supervised by Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, and led by Dr D. Bhakta with valuable support from NMCG scholars.