The Central Inland Fisheries Research Centre, Prayagraj (CIFRI), in its response to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ‘s notice, has revealed that the River Yamuna is facing a drastic decline in the population of Indian major carps and other native fish species.
The report attributed this decline to the increasing presence of exotic species, habitat degradation, and pollution.
The CIFRI suggested several measures to address the issue, including prohibiting illegal fishing gears, enhanced monitoring and control during fishing ban periods, and implementing strategic ranching practices.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also filed a report disclosing the poor water quality at different stretches/points in the River Yamuna.
The report stated that out of 32 monitored locations, six locations were not complying with the designated best use water quality criteria for propagation of wildlife and fisheries.
The NGT, having regard to the nature of the issue involved in the matter and the reports filed by the respondents, deemed it proper to implead the Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, as respondents.
The Principal Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Expert Member Dr A Senthil Vel issued notice to the newly added respondents and granted them four weeks’ time to file their response.
The matter has been listed for hearing on March 5, 2025.
The NGT has taken suo motu cognizance of a news item regarding the depletion of fish species in the River Yamuna.
The NGT registered the matter as an original application and issued notices to the parties concerned.