NGT Directs Measures for Yamuna Fish

National Green Tribunal (NGT) Directives on Yamuna River Fish Population: Key Points

1. NGT Orders:

   • Issued directives to the State governments of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to address declining native fish populations in the Yamuna River.
   • Action against the illegal introduction of exotic fish species is mandated.

2. Background and Concerns:

   • The directives followed a suo motu case based on a news report regarding the decline of native fish species and the proliferation of exotic species.
   • A 2024 report from the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Prayagraj highlighted that climate change impacts were leading to a decrease in Indian fish species while foreign species were becoming more prevalent.

3. Pollution Control:

   • The NGT identified pollution as the primary cause for the decline in fish populations.
   • The Central Pollution Control Board, National Mission for Clean Ganga, and Delhi Jal Board are tasked with enforcing effluent standards and ensuring compliance from Urban Local Bodies and industries regarding sewage discharge into the Yamuna.

4. Sewage Treatment Initiatives:

   • The tribunal emphasized the urgent need to speed up the installation and operationalization of sewage treatment plants along the Yamuna to ensure that water quality meets the standards necessary for aquatic life.

5. Minimum Flow Maintenance:

   • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Water Commission, and State Irrigation Departments are to maintain minimum flow levels in the river to support the breeding and migration of native fish.

6. Biodiversity Protection Measures:

   • There are directives to regulate or prohibit sand mining that disrupts spawning environments.
   • Construction of fish ladders and removal of barriers at barrages (specific mention of Wazirabad, Okhla, and Hathnikund) were recommended to facilitate the migration of species like Mahasheer.

7. Invasive Species Management:

   • A ban has been called on farming invasive species such as Thai Mangur (Clarias gariepinus).
   • The promotion of native aquaculture is encouraged, with incentives for species like Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, Chital, Mahasheer, and Eel.

8. Judicial Members:

   • The decision involved the Principal Bench of the NGT, led by Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member A. Senthil Vel.

Key Takeaway: These measures aim to recover the native fish population in the Yamuna and enhance the river's ecological health by addressing pollution, controlling invasive species, and promoting biodiversity through sustainable practices.