Nepal, Nov. 6 -- Water species such as fish, ghongi (freshwater snails), crabs and sutahi (mussels) are becoming increasingly rare in the fields, rivers, streams, and wetlands of the region.

Baliram Tharu, 60, from Jagatiya in Badhaiyaatal rural municipality-5, recalls, "We used to find these species in large numbers around us. Now, they have almost disappeared." He attributes this decline to the growing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in modern farming. He also believes that shrinking wetlands and the expansion of dry areas are contributing factors.

Traditionally, locals caught fish using nets, traps, or even by hand. However, harmful methods such as poisoning water or using electric currents have become more common, prevent...