Banned Mangur fish farms found near Ujani Dam catchment

Illegal Mangur fish farms have been discovered near the Ujani Dam catchment area and the Kalthan No. 1 village in Indapur taluka on Monday. Officials swiftly destroyed the fish stocks and initiated legal proceedings against the individuals allegedly responsible. The operation was conducted by a joint team led by the Pune District Collector.

Mangur, also known as African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), is an illegal exotic fish species. Cases have been filed under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses deliberate disregard of lawful orders from public servants; Section 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, concerning unsafe food; and Sections 3, 5, and 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, empowering the central government to safeguard the environment and penalize violations.

The Union Ministry of Agriculture prohibited Mangur fish cultivation in December 1997. Authorities warn that this species could endanger native fish and aquatic ecosystems. If Mangur infiltrate rivers or reservoirs, they may prey on native species and vie for food and habitat resources. Species like Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal could be at risk, according to officials.

Despite the ban, unauthorized cultivation of Mangur persists in certain regions of Maharashtra, including Pune district. Archana Shinde, Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries, Pune, stated that anyone encountering illegal Mangur fish farms can submit details to the fisheries department via email at acfpune@gmail.com.