KOLKATA: A recent notification issued by the Department of Land & Land Reforms permitting private individuals, entrepreneurs and other government institutions to take part in competitive bidding for government-owned waterbodies has triggered a sharp debate over modernisation versus the protection of traditional livelihoods and ecological balance.
Fishermen’s cooperative societies and environmental groups have strongly opposed the move, warning that it could jeopardise the livelihoods of more than 17 lakh registered members belonging to over 800 cooperatives across the state. Four fishermen’s cooperative societies have already written to the government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the notification.
The changes stem from amendments to the West Bengal Land and Land Reforms Manual, 1991, notified on September 18. Under the revised provisions, government-owned waterbodies will now be allotted through a tender or auction process. While the notification says fishermen’s cooperative societies, fish production groups and self-help groups will be given price preferences and concessions on the earnest money deposit, traditional fisherfolk fear these safeguards may not be enough.
They argue that the new system could favour financially stronger bidders who may lack experience in sustainable fish production, potentially pushing out communities that have depended on these waterbodies for generations. Environmentalists, too, have raised concerns, warning that opening wetlands to private players could lead to encroachment and poor waterbody management.
In their representations to the government, fishermen’s cooperatives have stressed that they are the natural custodians of inland waterbodies and have long followed sustainable fishing practices. They contend that the notification undermines their role and threatens both livelihoods and ecological stability.
The cooperatives have also pointed out that the move runs counter to existing laws and policies aimed at protecting backward classes and safeguarding fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. They have urged the department to revoke the notification, citing its potentially damaging impact on traditional fishing communities and the environment alike.
Key amendments and concerns at a glance
- Government-owned waterbodies to be settled through tender or auction.
- Eligible participants include fishermen’s cooperative societies, fish production groups, self-help groups, individuals, entrepreneurs and fisheries department undertakings.
- Fishermen’s cooperatives, fish production groups and self-help groups to receive price preferences and concessions on earnest money deposits.
- Traditional fisherfolk fear displacement by financially stronger bidders with limited expertise in sustainable fisheries.
- Environmentalists warn of possible wetland encroachment and long-term damage to waterbody management.
