Archive · 25 Dec 2025
NGT Reserves Order on Declining Yamuna Biodiversity
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is deciding on a case about the Yamuna river.
Scientists found that many native fish species are disappearing, while foreign fish are taking over.
The river is very polluted, especially in Delhi, which makes it hard for fish to live.
The NGT is not happy with how the authorities are handling the problem.
They want better rules to protect the river and its fish.
Scientists suggest stopping illegal fishing, banning the release of foreign fish, and reducing pollution to help the river.
NGT reserved its order on a case about declining fish biodiversity in the Yamuna river.
A scientific survey found 126 fish species, with a decline in native species and an increase in exotic fish.
Pollution, altered river flow, and habitat degradation are severely impacting fish diversity.
Exotic species like Nile tilapia dominate large stretches of the river due to their high pollution tolerance.
CIFRI recommended strict regulations, public awareness, and urgent action against pollution to remediate the problem.
- Who
- National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- What
- Declining biodiversity in the Yamuna river due to pollution and invasive species
- When
- May 2024 (news report), ongoing hearings
- Where
- Yamuna river, Delhi, Mathura, Agra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Pollution, altered river flow, habitat degradation, and invasive species are impacting fish diversity
- Organizations Involved
- National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Key Findings
- 126 fish species recorded, decline in native species, increase in exotic fish
- Impacted Species
- Mahseer, Indian Major Carps, Hilsa fishery
- Dominant Exotic Species
- Common carp, Nile tilapia, Thai Mangur
- Pollution Indicators
- Low dissolved oxygen, high biochemical oxygen demand, high total coliform
- NGT's Observations
- Authorities' responses lacked effective measures
- CIFRI's Recommendations
- Regulate illegal fishing, ban ritual release of exotic fish, improve public awareness, maintain environmental flows, reduce pollution