28 September 2026, Farakka
ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, organised the Swachhata Abhiyan Campaign 2026 at the Hilsa Ranching Station, Gandhi Ghat, Farakka, along the bank of the River Ganga, with the objective of promoting environmental cleanliness, protecting aquatic ecosystems and strengthening public awareness about the interrelationship between river health, fisheries sustainability and human well-being.
The campaign focused on maintaining a clean and healthy environment around the Hilsa Ranching Station, an important site for Hilsa conservation and ranching activities in the River Ganga. As part of the initiative, the riverbank and adjoining areas were cleaned, and plastic waste, polythene, discarded materials and other unwanted waste were collected and removed. The drive underscored the importance of collective responsibility in protecting riverine ecosystems and preserving aquatic biodiversity.
The initiative also resonates with the broader objectives of the Swachhata Abhiyan and Reforms Utsav, being observed under the guidance of Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, from 17 September to 17 October 2026, which emphasise institutional responsibility, community participation, cleanliness and sustainable practices. By combining on-ground sanitation activities with awareness generation, ICAR-CIFRI reaffirmed its commitment to translating environmental awareness into meaningful action.
Reflecting on the significance of the campaign, Dr Dey, emphasised that maintaining the cleanliness of the River Ganga is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity, the well-being of fishing communities and public health. He highlighted that a clean river is fundamental to sustaining fisheries resources and supporting initiatives such as Hilsa ranching. Dr Dey further stressed that cleanliness and environmental protection must become a shared responsibility of scientific institutions, government agencies, industries and local communities. Collective participation, he noted, is vital to building a healthier environment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of riverine resources.
Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the objectives of the Swachhata Abhiyan Campaign 2026 and emphasised that river cleanliness is directly linked to aquatic animal health, ecosystem integrity and human health. He drew attention to the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health, and stressed the need to protect aquatic habitats through responsible waste management and sustained community engagement.
The programme witnessed the participation of representatives from NTPC, Farakka Barrage Authority, CISF and local fishing communities, reflecting a collaborative approach towards environmental protection.
The initiative highlighted the importance of institutional commitment, inter-agency coordination and community participation in promoting cleanliness and environmental stewardship. Through this campaign, ICAR-CIFRI reaffirmed that clean rivers, healthy aquatic ecosystems and sustainable fisheries are inseparable. The initiative served as a call for sustained collective action to protect the River Ganga and preserve its ecological and livelihood value for present and future generations.
(Source: ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore)
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