Press Release
Press Release from Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
ICAR-CIFRI and Sikkim Fisheries Department Launch Crucial Pre-Monsoon Riverine Assessment
Gangtok, 2025 – The ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Guwahati, in close collaboration with the Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, has commenced a vital pre-monsoon ecological sampling initiative under the Sikkim NEH Project.
This comprehensive study aims to assess catch patterns and understand the habitat ecology of Sikkim's major riverine ecosystems.
Despite the ongoing annual fishing ban, CIFRI received special permission to conduct this critical ecological assessment. This exemption underscores the importance of the project, which is set to significantly enhance the scientific understanding of Sikkim's aquatic systems.
The field study, conducted between May 22nd to 27th , focused on collecting data for key physico-chemical parameters. These include dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and water hardness, all vital indicators of aquatic ecosystem health and their suitability for sustaining robust fisheries. Fish sampling was carried out across several significant riverine locations, including Rangpo and Khani Khola (Majitar), Manglay and Makha, Sangkhola and Singtam, as well as Triveni, 10th Mile Baguwa, Tatopani, and Rangit Sagbari.
The sampling have revealed a diverse array of native fish species thriving in Sikkim’s rivers, such as Garra sp., Schizothorax richardsonii, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis, and Glyptothorax sp. The presence of these native fish highlights the ecological richness of Sikkim’s riverine systems and emphasizes the urgent need to conserve their habitats for the long-term sustainability of inland fisheries in the region.
Fisheries Department remains committed to promoting sustainable fisheries and empowering fish farmers
Gangtok, 2025 – The ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Guwahati, in close collaboration with the Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, has commenced a vital pre-monsoon ecological sampling initiative under the Sikkim NEH Project.
This comprehensive study aims to assess catch patterns and understand the habitat ecology of Sikkim's major riverine ecosystems.
Despite the ongoing annual fishing ban, CIFRI received special permission to conduct this critical ecological assessment. This exemption underscores the importance of the project, which is set to significantly enhance the scientific understanding of Sikkim's aquatic systems.
The field study, conducted between May 22nd to 27th , focused on collecting data for key physico-chemical parameters. These include dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and water hardness, all vital indicators of aquatic ecosystem health and their suitability for sustaining robust fisheries. Fish sampling was carried out across several significant riverine locations, including Rangpo and Khani Khola (Majitar), Manglay and Makha, Sangkhola and Singtam, as well as Triveni, 10th Mile Baguwa, Tatopani, and Rangit Sagbari.
The sampling have revealed a diverse array of native fish species thriving in Sikkim’s rivers, such as Garra sp., Schizothorax richardsonii, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis, and Glyptothorax sp. The presence of these native fish highlights the ecological richness of Sikkim’s riverine systems and emphasizes the urgent need to conserve their habitats for the long-term sustainability of inland fisheries in the region.
Fisheries Department remains committed to promoting sustainable fisheries and empowering fish farmers