The Rigdi River, which joins the Trishuli, is famous for its fish. But the locals are worried after the fish are disappearing in the river.
Asla fish used to reach Kathmandu except Muglin, Fisling and Kuringhat markets. Sher Bahadur Chepang of Orlyang village of Rigdi Khola Khoch says that it is becoming difficult to get a single fish even after swimming all day.
The Rigdi River, which originates from Chitwan's highest Siraichuli foothills, flows through the border of Ichchakamana Rural Municipality-1 and 2. After reaching Ichchakamana-6, this river which flows west through Nagbeli turns north to meet Trishuli. And the Narayangadh-Mughlin road intersects with Trishuli. Rigdi river is the border of Ichchakamana and Bharatpur metropolis.
This 30/35 km long river is famous for fish. Other Raithane fish and Gangta are also found," said Pancha Bahadur Chepang, Ward President of Ichchakamana-2, "Older people used to tell that the fish used to be trampled by cattle and die when they were grazing."
"When I went fishing one night, I used to get two/three kilos," said Sher Bahadur of Orlyang, "Nowadays, even if I fish all day, I can't find three/four hundred grams of fish." After the road came, they started fishing. Earlier, only Chepang and Gurung living around this river used to catch fish and sell it. After the road came, people from neighboring villages also started coming to fish," said Sher Bahadur. They started putting pesticides to kill fish, sending electricity to the river. That is why Sher Bahadur says that the fish is disappearing. The locals have rushed to control it.
Pancha Bahadur Chepang, Ward President of Ichchakamana-2, said that the Rigdi River Aquatic (Fish) Protection Committee was formed on Saturday by holding a meeting of locals. Hasta Bahadur Chepang is the chairman of the 19-member committee. The Chepang community is a tribal living in the hilly areas of Chitwan. There are eight members of the committee including the chairman from Chepang community. 10 people are from Gurung community and one person is in Basnet committee.
The fish of Rigdi's river is also very important for the Gurung community. The Gurungs who live here perform Pitru Shraddha on the Ashtami of Dasain. In which rigdi should not be without fish from the river," Tika Gurung of Ichchakamana-2 Mayatar said, "When the fish from the river is lost, our culture is affected. That's why we are trying to protect it. In Rigdi river, you can find black bhoti, buduna fish, gangta and black paha.
"The gathering has decided not to use any biological or chemical pesticides when fishing, not to kill with current, not to fish in the river in February, March and April," said the ward president Chepang, "In addition, it has been decided not to excavate the river randomly, not to set fire to the forest, and to protect springs."
Rigdi has started reaching the villages around the river and reaching the black road. Therefore, the number of tourists is increasing. Homestays and hotels are opening in places. Ward president Chepang said that if some steps are not taken, the risk of fish extinction has increased, so he is trying to involve the local people in conservation. "There is an opportunity to become a fish whose identity is the identity of the fish," he said.
