NGT directs five states to act and protect Yamuna’s native fish biodiversity

Shimla: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to urgently implement the recommendations of the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) at Prayagraj to curb pollution in the Yamuna River and restore its native fish biodiversity.The directions were issued by a bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel in a suo motu case triggered by a media report highlighting the alarming decline of indigenous fish species and the growing presence of invasive exotic species in the river. Originating in Uttarakhand, the Yamuna River traverses the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh via Poanta Sahib before entering Haryana.According to the ICAR-CIFRI survey conducted during 2020–2024, 126 fish species were recorded in the 1,368 km stretch of Yamuna River, from Yamunotri to Prayagraj. The survey revealed a decline in native fish species such as Catla, Rohu, Mahseer and Eel. In contrast, populations of exotic species including Common Carp, Nile Tilapia and Thai Mangur increased, particularly in polluted stretches of the river. The major factors contributing to these changes include pollution, dam construction, habitat alteration, overfishing and climate change.The ICAR-CIFRI recommendations focus on regulating illegal fishing practices, particularly the use of mosquito drag nets and other gear that lead to juvenile fishing. The recommendations also stress the need for enhanced monitoring and surveillance during fishing ban periods to prevent illegal harvesting of breeding fish. Strategic ranching practices were suggested, including stocking Mahseer species in the upper stretches of the Yamuna and Indian Major Carps (IMC) and other commercially important species in the middle and lower stretches. Ranching of air-breathing fish was proposed in designated Delhi stretches, especially between the Wazirabad and Okhla barrages.The NGT also emphasised maintaining proper fish catch records, adhering strictly to ICAR-CIFRI ranching guidelines to prevent genetic pollution, and banning the release of exotic fish during religious rituals. Public awareness campaigns are to be intensified to educate communities about the ecological harm caused by invasive species. Ensuring continuous environmental flow below barrages and addressing point-source industrial and sewage pollution were highlighted as critical measures.Additionally, the NGT directed agencies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to enforce effluent standards, accelerate sewage treatment infrastructure, and conduct continuous water quality monitoring. The NGT also called for fish ladders at major barrages, regulation of sand mining, promotion of native fish aquaculture, and strict action against illegal introduction of exotic species to revive the Yamuna's ecological health. MSID: 127818205 413 |