100-Kg Fish Wash Ashore in Bihar After Being Swept Down from Nepal, Locals Stunned

Patna: The effects of severe floods and landslides in Nepal are now visible in the rivers of Bihar also. With the strong flow of flood, a large number of fish are reported to have flowed from Nepal to Gandak river of Bihar. From Mangalpur Ghat in Gopalganj to Valmikinagar and Bagaha, much larger fish than usual are getting trapped in the nets of fishermen. His videos are also becoming increasingly viral on social media. Locally, the weight of some fish is being claimed to be from 90 kg to about one and a half quintal, although all the claims have not been independently confirmed.

How did such big fish reach from Nepal to Bihar?

The flood that occurred on August 26 in Rasuwa district of Nepal caused huge devastation. The flood water reached Trishuli and then Narayani river system via Bhotekoshi river. This river enters India near Valmikinagar by the name of Gandak. Due to the strong current, the fish present in the hilly areas, rivers and reservoirs of Nepal also got washed away with the water and reached Bihar.

What is getting caught in the fishermen's nets?

Information about fishermen finding big fish has come to light in many areas of Bihar. Among these, names of species like Gojta or Goonach Catfish, Baghar, Grass Carp, Barali i.e. Wallago and Rohu are coming to the fore. The weight of some fishes is said to range from about 5 kg to several dozen kg. Some local claims also mention fish weighing more than 100 kg.

In which areas is the impact visible the most?

Fishermen in Mangalpur Ghat, Valmikinagar, Bagaha and surrounding areas of Gopalganj are catching these fish by putting nets in the river. At many places, due to the strong current, fish have reached the river banks even in a dead state. After finding big fish, a crowd of local people is gathering to see them.

Why are videos going viral on social media?

Many videos of big fish are spreading rapidly on social media. In these, fishermen are seen taking the fish out of the river, weighing them and then taking them on a bike or cart. In some videos, it has been claimed to have found fish worth around one quintal. These pictures and videos have caught the attention of local people as well as social media users.

What is the situation regarding fish species?

Based on the viral video, different people are describing these fish as different species. Some users have described them as Goonach catfish, while others are taking the names of other species of fish. On social media, people are also being advised to be careful about their food. Many people have demanded investigation to identify the correct species of fish.

How did the flood change the situation for fishermen?

While Nepal's floods have caused huge damage in many areas, for some fishermen in Bihar, the big fish in the river have suddenly become a different kind of opportunity. However, this situation is directly related to the devastation caused by floods and there is also a risk to fishermen due to the strong current in the river. The unusual presence of fishes in Gandak is currently a topic of discussion among the people.