Old Delhi's fish net sellers in troubled waters
Pandemic hits livelihood of fishermen thus impacting the sales of fish nets, say Wasim and Zeeshan, who usually see customers outside Delhi, but now pins no hope on the net selling business
image for illustrative purpose
Convenience of technology and automation has replaced several professions including products which have been crafted with hands through the generations. Such is the story of Wasim, a third-generation fish net seller at Jama Masjid, who is the one of the last two suppliers at Old Delhi's Chandini Chowk.
The 38-year-old Wasim is the last of the two sellers of fish nets and house nets. When asked as to what alternate source of income he has, Wasim says making fish nets and selling them is all that he knows and no other profession.
"My family has been selling nets for over 45 years now. There is nothing else that I know of to earn a living. My kids are in school right now, but I hope someday they will take over this business and continue with the same profession," Wasim said with a hopeful look.
Apart from fish nets, Wasim says he sells other allied products such as army nets, bird and animal net and even sports nets. But the main source of income comes from selling fish nets as Wasim says that the handcrafted product is much popular and preferred amongst fishermen from Delhi and Yamuna.
On a daily basis, Wasim says he gets 10 to 20 customers during monsoon season which is the peak period of sale. The lowest sales happen during winter season which sees less than two customers for the purchase. For fishing purpose, each fishermen requires a minimum of 50 meters to 60 meters of net.
When asked how he managed to sail through the two waves of the pandemic, Wasim says that he
pooled in all his savings to take care of his family.
"We have two in-house Karigar (artisans). We bring in the woven nets from Mumbai, and then do the binding work on them such as sewing in anchors and customizing the size based on customers' requirements. In case there is a third wave, then I will have to shut this profession," he said.
Similar to Wasim, is Zeeshan's story, the other nylon net artisan, who says that profession is on the verge of closure. Higher quality nets are made out of nylon with metal anchors which usually take three days to finish.
"We purchase these nets from Mumbai for Rs8 per meter, depending on the type of material. We prepare nets from plastic or nylon and sell them accordingly after putting in the anchors. We usually handmake the anchors with two products, either clay or metal which are prepared at home with local artisans," Zeeshan explained.
The nylon nets and ropes can cost anywhere between Rs20 per meter to Rs30 per meter. Zeeshan says that each of these nets, depending upon their usage can last upto five to six months.
"These nets are perfect to catch small fishes such as carps and catfish. Most of our buyers come
from Wazirpur in Delhi outskirts or Bulandsheher in Uttar Pradesh. The pandemic has twisted our arms but we do not know what else to do. Making and selling fish nets is all we know of. This profession will come to an end with us two (sellers), atleast in Chandini Chowk area," Zeeshan said.
