3,500-kg banned African catfish seized and destroyed in Pune raid, case registered

Officials said that the species is not approved for human consumption and may pose health risks. FILE PIC

In a joint enforcement action against illegal cultivation of banned fish species, officials from the Fisheries Department and Uruli Kanchan Police seized and destroyed nearly 3,500 kg of prohibited African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from a farm pond in Peth Naigaon village of Haveli taluka in Pune district on Thursday.

The operation was carried out after authorities received information about the unauthorised breeding and rearing of the banned exotic fish species. Acting on the tip-off, a joint team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries, Pune, along with personnel from Uruli Kanchan Police Station, conducted a raid at the site.

During the inspection, officials recovered around 3,500 kg of African catfish from the farm pond. The stock was destroyed as per legal procedure following seizure. A criminal case has been registered against Ganesh Shankar Gaikwad, a resident of Peth Naigaon.

African catfish banned over ecological and health risks, say authorities

Authorities stated that the Central Government has banned the breeding and cultivation of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) due to the serious threat it poses to local biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. Officials also cautioned that the species is not approved for human consumption and may pose health risks.

The fisheries department has appealed to the public not to cultivate, rear, transport, or sell the banned fish species.

Violators will face strict legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Food Safety and Standards Act, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, officials added.