The illicit cultivation of the banned Thai Magur fish in village ponds across Punjab is causing alarm over potential threats to the state’s ecosystem and public health. This carnivorous species, known for its rapid growth and adaptability, poses a significant danger to native fish and aquatic life when it infiltrates natural water bodies such as rivers and canals.
Despite a clear ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2000, the unlawful production of Thai Magur persists in various parts of the country, with Punjab emerging as a prominent hotspot for this illegal activity.
The cultivation of Thai Magur in contaminated ponds exacerbates the issue, as the fish thrives on a diet of poultry waste, pesticides, and human waste, leading to serious health risks, including cancer. Despite fines of up to ₹10,000 and repeated warnings from environmental experts, the illicit trade in Punjab continues, placing significant strain on authorities’ efforts to curb its production.
Punjab’s fisheries sector heavily relies on panchayat ponds, which have historically played a crucial role in rural society. However, increasing pollution from human waste, chemicals, and pesticides has rendered these ponds unsuitable for traditional fishing practices, impacting the socio-economic well-being of rural communities.
Dalbir Singh, the district in charge of the state fisheries department, acknowledged the cultivation of the banned fish in the region and the challenges faced in curbing its illegal trade. Singh highlighted the difficulties in conducting regular raids due to a shortage of manpower. The logistical challenges involved in transporting confiscated consignments nearly 30 km away to Mullanpur farm for proper disposal, as per government protocols, further compound the issue.
Environmental experts have issued warnings about the dire consequences of cultivating the banned fish in polluted ponds. The predatory nature of Thai Magur disrupts the delicate balance of pond ecosystems by preying on other aquatic insects and small fish. This ecological disturbance has far-reaching implications, particularly in the aftermath of floods that have facilitated the spread of this variety to fresh water sources, including the Sutlej river. Authorities are grappling with the urgent need to address this issue to safeguard both the environment and public health in Punjab.