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After the construction of a hydropower dam on the Kaligandaki River in Mirmi, Syangja, the traditional livelihood of the Majhi and Bote communities - who have long depended on fishing - has come under threat. As fish numbers in the reservoir created by the dam have been declining and passenger shortages have also been observed in the river transport business, their sources of income are weakening.

Locals say that fish used to be abundant in the confluence of the Kaligandaki and Andhikhola rivers, and fishing nets would often bring in large catches. However, after the construction of the dam, fish movement has been blocked, reversing the situation. They claim that after the 144-foot-high dam was built, natural movement between the upstream and downstream sections was obstructed, leading to a decline in fish populations.

According to Mirmi resident Dil Bahadur Bote, fishing earlier supported his household, but now he often returns empty-handed after casting nets. “Earlier, fishing sustained my family, but now I get nothing even after casting my net,” he said. After his livelihood became unstable, he started working as a river transport (steamer) operator, but that job has also become unstable due to declining passenger numbers.

Although the Kaligandaki river transport service operates from Mirmi through the confluence areas of Parbat, Syangja, and Gulmi up to the Setibeni region, passengers have increasingly shifted to road transport after the expansion of the Kaligandaki Corridor and surrounding road networks. This has directly affected the steamer business, according to local operators.

Dil Bahadur Bote, who has been operating steamers since 2005, said his job is now at risk due to a lack of passengers. According to him, fishing is no longer viable, and the steamer business has also weakened, forcing him to consider foreign employment.

Another steamer operator, Mohan Bote, said that although each steamer has two operators, income has dropped sharply due to the passenger shortage. “The government should think about uplifting the Majhi community,” he said.

According to local representative Prem Bahadur Bote, the Fisheries Research Center releases more than 300,000 fish fingerlings into the reservoir every year, but the problem remains unsolved as monsoon floods wash them away. In Kaligandaki Rural Municipality–7 alone, 38 households from the Majhi and Bote communities depend on fishing.

The municipality has said it is planning to produce organic fertilizer in the area. However, locals are demanding that boating and water tourism be properly managed so they can earn a livelihood while staying in their communities.

Jalasarokar