People from 12 villages gather near Nalsarovar, oppose curbs on fishing

A large public meeting was held on Saturday at Durgi village in Bawla taluka of Ahmedabad district, where people from more than 12 villages located around Nalsarovar came together to voice their opposition to the restrictions on fishing and allied livelihood activities in the wetland area.

The gathering comes in the backdrop of recent observations by the Gujarat High Court, which stressed the need to impose restrictions on fishing and commercial activities in the Nalsarovar region to protect the bird sanctuary. Following these observations, locals alleged that the forest department has begun stopping fishing and other traditional activities, triggering fears of loss of livelihood for thousands of families.

Residents from villages including Durgi, Meni, Vakariya, Devthal, Shiyal, Ranagadh, Kathechi and Shahpur said their survival is closely linked to the Nalsarovar. The area is predominantly inhabited by members of the Padhar tribal community, whose generations-old occupations include fishing, harvesting aquatic produce such as jitol, theg and kandas, along with animal husbandry.

Villagers claimed that after the court’s remarks, forest officials have not only restricted fishing but have also halted related traditional activities, raising concerns of hunger and economic distress among poor tribal families.

Former Congress district panchayat member Babu Padhar from Darji village has submitted a written representation to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, urging the government to intervene. In the letter, he has demanded that the state ensure alternative livelihood arrangements or take a balanced decision that safeguards both environmental conservation and the survival of local communities.

“The Nalsarovar lake is the only source of livelihood for tribal families living in villages like Durgi, Meni, Devthal, Shiyal, Mithapur and Kothatalavdi. Fishing and collection of traditional aquatic produce are essential for sustaining our families. The government should take an appropriate decision so that these livelihoods are not taken away,” the representation stated.

It may be noted that the High Court has taken suo motu cognisance to protect bird sanctuaries such as Nalsarovar and Nadabet. During hearings, the court observed that strict enforcement of rules is the government’s responsibility, adding that Nalsarovar is not a picnic spot and that fishing and plastic use should be banned to protect the ecosystem.

However, locals pointed out that the state government has not yet issued any official circular imposing a fishing ban at Nalsarovar. Speaking over the phone, Babu Padhar confirmed that while no formal government order has been issued, forest department staff are preventing people from fishing, which could severely impact livelihoods across 12 villages.

Angered by the situation, members of the Padhar tribal community and others dependent on lake-based occupations gathered at the Jhumpali Mata temple in Durgi village and warned of sustained protests if their employment is affected. Villagers said they are prepared to take the fight “to the last extent” to protect their right to livelihood.