The Innocent Fishermen of Koel River: Play or Invitation to Death?

Palamu: “We catch fish so that we can cook something at home,” said 13-year-old Arjun hesitantly. His eyes are filled with innocence, but in his hands, he holds an electric wire as he plays a dangerous game. On the banks of Koel River, these children are risking their lives—and the lives of others—by using electric currents to catch fish. What seems like a game is, in reality, a deadly consequence of poverty and necessity.

In Medininagar’s Town Police Station area, this scene has become tragically common. Children take electric wires from homes, connect them to the river, and use them to electrocute fish. Wrapped around 15-20 feet long bamboo poles, a net is set up, and as the fish approach, they are electrocuted. This process not only kills the fish but also poses a lethal threat to the children themselves.

Three Children’s Deaths Haven’t Changed the Scene

Last year, three children tragically died from electric shocks while fishing in this manner in Garhwa district. Earlier this year, similar incidents led to the deaths of livestock in Palamu. Yet, despite these tragedies, neither the children’s enthusiasm nor their families’ helplessness has changed.

The Story of Poverty

12-year-old Seema, who fishes alongside Arjun, says, “If we don’t catch fish, how will we eat?” Her father works as a laborer, but his earnings are insufficient to feed the family. Seema and her friends risk their lives every day by the river, and in the evening, they either sell the fish they catch or keep some for their own meals.

Unaware of the Danger

These innocent children likely don’t understand the lethal risk of the electric wires they handle. Santosh Kumar from the electricity department explains, “The area where the net is set up has an electric shock range of up to two meters. If the wire is cut anywhere, other people who are bathing in the river could also get electrocuted.”

A Mother’s Helplessness

Arjun’s mother, Sunita Devi, is distressed by her son’s actions. “What should I do? I tell him not to, but he says it’s better to work than to starve. We are poor, and we fear the police. But what about my child’s life?” Sunita’s tears reflect her helplessness.

Efforts by the Authorities

The Palamu administration has taken serious notice of this issue. The electricity department and police have planned strict actions against such incidents. “We will warn the children’s families and file FIRs. We are also launching awareness campaigns to stop this dangerous practice,” says Santosh Kumar.

What’s the Solution?

This is not just a story of Palamu; it is the harsh reality for thousands of children forced into dangerous work due to poverty and hunger. There is an urgent need for the administration, society, and families to come together to change these children’s lives. They need not only protection from these dangers but also access to alternative employment and educational opportunities.

Can we save these children from this deadly trap and restore their innocent childhood? Perhaps the answer lies in our collective efforts.