Fishing provides an important livelihood for tribal families living around Dimbhe Dam. Limited equipment, training and market access previously made it difficult for local fishermen to earn a dependable income. Shashwat Trust, Junnar helped bring these families together to develop a community-managed fishing enterprise.

Community mobilisation began in 2004, followed by the establishment of the Dimbhe Tribal Co-operative Fishing Society in 2005. The cooperative subsequently secured fishing rights, giving local families a stronger role in managing the resource on which their livelihoods depend.

The project has supported 317 families across 19 villages. Village collection centres record fish by weight and type. Fish are collected by motorboat and brought to the main centre at Dimbhe for wholesale sale. Payments are deposited directly into fishermen’s bank accounts.

With support from Rotary Clubs and the Tribal Department, fishermen gained access to boats, nets and practical training. The Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, supported fish-seed stocking, hatchery development and floating-cage rearing.

Shashwat also facilitated training for fishing communities from other parts of Maharashtra and other states, sharing experience gained at Dimbhe.

Storm damage, loss of fish seed and limited cold-storage facilities have posed challenges. Shashwat’s work focuses on strengthening local fishing livelihoods through cooperation, technical guidance and access to essential resources.