Over 36,000kg of Banned Fish Destroyed After Surprise Raids in Nagpur

Authorities in India’s Maharashtra state have raided 11 ponds and destroyed more than 36 tonnes of banned Thai catfish as part of a crackdown on illegal aquaculture.

The operation was conducted by the Fisheries Department in the Chicholi-Mahadula area of Nagpur’s Parshivni taluka.

Officials had received information that Thai Mangur was being illegally raised and sold from several ponds in the area. Investigators subsequently identified the suspected locations before carrying out the raids.  

According to the Fisheries Department, officials used Google mapping to locate ponds and employed dummy customers to verify reports of illegal farming and sales.

Once the allegations were confirmed, officials brought in around 25 local fishermen to assist with the operation.

The fishermen used nets to remove more than 36 tonnes of the prohibited fish from the ponds. Authorities then buried the recovered fish in large pits.  

The action reflects India’s continuing efforts to prevent the spread of Thai Mangur, which authorities say poses environmental concerns because of its ability to prey on native aquatic species.

The species has remained attractive to illegal fish farmers because of its fast growth and profitability, according to reports.  

The Nagpur Fisheries Department said the latest operation was part of a wider campaign and that approximately 51 tonnes of Thai Mangur had been destroyed in the region over the previous three months.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring ponds and other locations suspected of being used for illegal cultivation.