Fishing methods of local communities in Melghat and riverine systems of Amravati district, Maharashtra

Abstract

Melghat, a pristine wilderness in the heart of Maharashtra, India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and distinctive tribal heritage. Several tribal communities, including the Korku and Gond, inhabit this region, each preserving unique traditions and customs. Among them, the Korku tribe is particularly well-known. These indigenous people have developed a deep connection with the land and its resources through centuries of coexistence with the forest. This paper documents various traditional fishing methods practiced by the local tribes of Melghat and other riverine systems in the Amravati district, Maharashtra, since time immemorial. The data were collected through interviews with local fishermen and an intensive survey conducted between December 2022 and July 2024. In total 12 traditional fishing techniques, such as Zolni, strainer, Kokru, Kokree, rods, wooden containers, cloth nets, plant extracts, and aluminum containers, were identified and documented from the rivers in Melghat and neighboring areas. These indigenous methods are eco-friendly, cost-effective, sustainable, and crucial for the subsistence of small-scale tribal populations. However, the use of destructive fishing practices, such as dynamite explosions, was also documented, although it is neither common nor legal. This harmful method poses a significant threat to both fish and other aquatic fauna and is prohibited worldwide, including in India.