Assam's Bokdo Fish Sanctuary: A success story of ecological conservation and community initiative

Nestled along the Jinjiram river near Urpod Beel in the south-eastern part of Agia, Goalpara district, Assam, lies the Bokdo Fish Sanctuary—a testament to community initiative and ecological conservation.

This sanctuary began as a local endeavor in February 2013, spearheaded by the Bokdo Village Community and Bokdo Youth Club, with support from the IQAC and Tourism Cell of Agia College. It was established with the noble aim of preserving aquatic life and various fish species within the river's ecosystem.

Today, the Bokdo Fish Sanctuary is a thriving habitat for a diverse range of aquatic animals, including Rohu Fish, Chitala, Catfish, Electric eel fish, Catla fish, Tortoises, and even Pythons. The sanctuary not only serves as a protective haven for these species but also doubles as a recreational park managed by the Bokdo Youth Club. Visitors can indulge in adventure and water sports such as boating, camping, and cycling, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination.

The sanctuary was officially inaugurated on December 22nd, 2023, by Dr. Anupam Sarma, District Fishery Development Officer of Goalpara. The event was graced by dignitaries from the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, Derek Baptist Church, Democratic Rights Forum, and Achik Cultural Forum, alongside authorities from Agia College. The collective message emphasized the importance of maintaining the area free from plastic and other anthropogenic impacts, urging the tribal community to preserve the serenity of this natural haven.

The establishment of the Bokdo Fish Sanctuary is a shining example of how local communities can come together to protect and enhance their natural environment. It has become a beacon of eco-tourism, promoting socio-economic development while safeguarding the riverine ecosystem. As word spreads about this serene spot, tourists from across the region and beyond are drawn to the sanctuary's natural beauty and the opportunity to witness conservation in action.

A bamboo tunnel on the Jinjiram river has given a hint of innovative and exceptional thinking to the former village head of Bokdo village, Budhint Marak, to build the fish sanctuary. The Bokdo Fish Sanctuary, built with the exceptional thinking of Brilliant Marak, has now become a hotbed of various small and big indigenous species of fish, including rou, barali, garai, chengeli, puthi, khalihna, chital, katal, etc.

Through the sanctuary, the Bokdo Yuva Sangha has tried to beautify both sides of the Jinjiram river to make proper arrangements for the conservation of indigenous species of fish and cass, as well as to attract tourists. Modern haat boats along with pedals and mechanised boat boats have been arranged by breaking the knot money.

Along with the former village elder Brilliant Marak, the bakdo fish sanctuary, built with the efforts of the youth and conscious people of the Bakdo Youth Union, is quietly flowing to the flow of tourists. There is a phenomenon of how a bamboo sparrow gave rise to the idea of building a village old brilliant marak fish sanctuary. The Garo-tribal neglected Bakdo village, located around 2 kilometres from Agia Chowk.

Earlier there was a wooden bridge to connect the village, which was inhabited on both sides of the Jinjiram river. In the absence of long repairs, the Thorak-Barak wooden bridge collapsed at one point. People have repeatedly demanded various parties to build bridges and connect to both sides of the Jinjiram river to solve the problems faced by the people of the village. But nothing worked. In the end, the people of the village built a bamboo shed with donations.

The bamboo husk is washed away every year by the hailstorm coming down from the Meghalaya hills. How much more will the poor people break the joint money? So the people of the village took a decision. In the Jinjiram river, which is full of various indigenous fishes, collect money every three years to make fish.

But at that time, in 2013, village elder Brilliant Marak discovered a rare phenomenon with the local youth Cribit Marak. According to village elder Brilliant Marak, the fish throng a particular spot in the river. The fish do not leave the place even if there is a flood or a hill. He is convinced that the special place of the river has been chosen as a haven by the native fish.

Not only indigenous fish of different species but also other aquatic animals have become a shelter for special places. It was then that gaonburha (village head) Brilliant Marak, with the help of a local youth, Cribit Marak, proposed to the public to sell fish and build bridges by selling fish. Everyone agreed with Brilliant and Cribit Marak at the public meeting.

A complete ban has been imposed on fishing in the 190-metre long area of the river. With the efforts and suggestions of conscious people, including the present-day village elder Capster Marak, clergyman Sangma, Brazil Sangma, the Bokdo Youth Union was given the responsibility of taking Bakdo towards rural tourism in parallel with the fish sanctuary. The tourism cell of Agia College has also extended a helping hand for various development works in the village. The district fisheries department has also come forward.