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NGT Fights for Yamuna's Native Fish
31 Jan
Summary
- NGT orders states to fix native fish decline in Yamuna.
- Illegal exotic fish introduction to face strict penalties.
- Pollution control and habitat restoration are crucial.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued comprehensive directives to the state governments of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, along with other relevant authorities. These directions aim to restore native fish populations in the Yamuna River and control the proliferation of exotic species.
The NGT's order, stemming from a news report on declining native fish and increasing exotic species, emphasizes pollution control as a key factor. The Central Pollution Control Board, National Mission for Clean Ganga, and Delhi Jal Board are tasked with enforcing effluent standards and compliance by urban local bodies and industries.
Furthermore, authorities must accelerate the installation and operationalization of sewage treatment plants to ensure water quality suitable for aquatic life. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other departments are directed to maintain minimum river flow for fish breeding and migration, regulate sand mining, and install fish ladders at barrages.
The NGT also mandated a prohibition on farming highly invasive species like Thai Mangur. Instead, it promotes native fish aquaculture through incentives and subsidized supplies. The release of native fish fingerlings and the establishment of fish conservation zones are also recommended.
