Bihar Polls 2025: Bochahan fishermen face flood woes, demand government action

Bochahan: Along the banks of the Gandak River in the Bochahan assembly constituency in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, a large community of fishermen continues to struggle with daily life challenges. Predominantly comprising members of the Mallah and Kewat communities, these villagers form a major electorate but say political parties have shown little empathy toward their issues over the years.

Fishermen voice concerns over livelihood struggles

Residents face recurrent flooding and low fish catches, which severely impact their livelihoods. Indradev Sahani, a villager from Bochaha, said, “There is no income here; floods come, storms hit, and yet there's no relief. The government should make some scheme and provide some assistance, but nothing happens. Not even community groups turn up to help.”

Fisherman Suresh Sahani added, “We want the government to do something for the fishing community so we can be developed. Right now, we are in distress. Five days ago, a violent storm destroyed our homes, and 5–7 days later, the floodwaters returned. We are now facing severe hardship.”

Despite repeatedly urging authorities, villagers allege their issues remain unresolved. Ramsurat Sahani said, “When we report these problems to the village head or the sarpanch, they do not listen. We request security and protection from the government. If we get that security, we will be able to survive; otherwise, we are poor people, and we will die.”

Villagers demand long-term government support

Temporary relief provided during floods is deemed insufficient by locals, who are demanding long-term solutions to ensure their safety and protect their livelihoods.

Amrita Devi, a resident, said, “There are many problems here for the fishing community. During floods, our houses get destroyed. We seek safety on the bund. We get some rations, but what do we do with the government rations in such conditions? Nothing happens. What good does it do for the fishing community? We are unable to sustain. We want the government to do something long-lasting for the betterment of the fishing community so that our people can develop and our families get enough support.”

RJD promises training and economic uplift 

Amar Kumar Paswan of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the sitting MLA from Bochahan elected in a 2022 by-poll, has promised to improve the community’s condition if re-elected.

“The community is, in many ways, facing severe financial difficulties. Considering the way rivers are getting polluted and ponds and drains are being polluted, I feel that when our government comes to power, we will form a centre for the fishermen. This will provide them with training and guidance. They will be taught how to rear new varieties of fish even in small ponds and how to preserve their eggs. This will give them work opportunities and strengthen their economic condition,” he said.

However, representatives of the ruling NDA coalition emphasised a number of welfare initiatives that have already been put in place for various communities, including the fishing community.

Block President of the JDU, Ram Iqbal Singh, said, “The widow pension has been increased from Rs 400 to Rs 1100. 125 units of electricity have been made free. Rs 10,000 has been provided to women. They also receive the subsidy through which they can rear fish, and there is development for them as well. They also get loans; why wouldn't the fishing community get them? So there are loans and subsidies for fish rearing.”

Bochahan is one of the 11 assembly constituencies in Muzaffarpur district that will vote on November 6. The results of Bihar's two-phase state elections will be announced on November 14.