New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal has been informed that exotic fish species dominate the river Yamuna, while Indian fish species have declined.
The green body was hearing the issue of the decreasing population of Indian fish species in the Yamuna. It had earlier sought a response from authorities, including the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Prayagraj.
In its order dated November 7, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that the CIFRI had filed its reply dated September 19, which supported the plea for a decrease in local fish species.
The bench also comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel noted the report about the decline in the number of fish species, including Indian Major Carps (IMCs), large catfishes and Hilsa fishery.
“In the 1960s and 1970s, Indian Major Carps (IMCs) contributed nearly 50 per cent of the total catch. Among the IMCs, Cirrhinus Mrigala (Mrigal/Nain) contributed the most, followed by Labeo Calbasu (Karaunchh/Kalboss), Labeo Rohita (Rohu), and Labeo Catla (Bhakur/Katla). Notably, Labeo Catla has experienced the most significant decline in abundance, indicating ongoing habitat degradation in the river Yamuna,” said the CIFRI report submitted to the NGT.
Regarding large catfishes, the report said the important species were Sperata Aor(Tengan/Singhara), Sperata Seenghala (Tengan/Singhara), Wallago Attu (Padhin), Rita Rita (Ritha), Silonias Silondia (Sinda), Bagarius Bagarius (Gaunchh), and Pangasius Pangasius (Piyasi) and their contribution to the total catch had declined in both composition and size, likely due to the increasing presence of exotic species and other miscellaneous fish groups.
It further said that the Tenualosa Ilisha(Hilsa/ Ilish) fishery had been totally wiped out from the riverine stretch in Prayagraj since 2010 due to the construction of the Farakka barrage.
According to the report, the exotic fishery in the Yamuna was primarily represented by Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus), and Clarias Gariepinus. Other significant contributors included Clarias Gariepinus (Thai Mangur) at Delhi (Wazirabad).
Referring to the studies about their composition, the report said, “These indicate an overall dominance of exotic fish species in the river Yamuna.” The tribunal, meanwhile, noted the recommendations for addressing the issue, such as prohibiting illegal fishing gears, enhanced monitoring, control and surveillance during the fishing ban, implementing strategic ranching practices, maintenance of proper records of fish catch data, banning the release of exotic fish for rituals, maintaining continuous water flow, addressing source pollution and increasing awareness.
It also sought a response from the secretaries of the Union ministries of Jal Shakti and Fisheries and Animal Husbandry.
“Having regard to the nature of the issue involved in the matter and reports filed, we deem it proper to implead them,” the tribunal said.
The matter has been posted on March 3 for further proceedings. PTI MNR MNR KVK KVK
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