Pollution and river drying: Socioeconomic ramifications for fishers along the Jalangi River, a tributary of the Ganga

The Jalangi River, a vital lifeline for numerous fishing communities in West Bengal, India, has been grappling with severe pollution issues in recent years. This study examines the relationship between pollution and river drying and its impact on the socio-economic conditions of fishers along the river. Studies have found that Jalangi is highly polluted with microplastics, heavy metals, and Bisphenol A (eBPA), posing severe risks to the aquatic ecosystem and local communities. The primary sources of pollution include agricultural runoff, household waste, jute retting, and sand mining, which collectively lead to water degradation and a decline in fish populations. This study incorporated Landsat imagery and identified 90.69 km of the river's length as dry-up. Socioeconomic studies have revealed that the predominantly male fishing community from the Scheduled Caste depends heavily on the river. Daily fish catches range between 0.8-1.2 kg throughout the year, increasing to 2-4.5 kilograms per day during the monsoon season. The average monthly family income is ?5,488, with 43% of fishers earning less than ?5,000 per month. Women have limited involvement in fishing but contribute through post-harvest activities. However, younger generations are less interested in fishing due to declining fish availability and environmental challenges. The socioeconomic conditions of fishers along the Jalangi River are deeply influenced by ecological degradation and the absence of alternative livelihood options. To address these issues, it is essential to implement effective government policies and conduct awareness programs, as well as training sessions or workshops. These initiatives can help improve the river's ecology and uplift the socioeconomic conditions of fishers.