Pune: 3,500 Kg Of Banned African Catfish Destroyed In Joint Raid; Case Registered Against Farmer
Pune: 3,500 Kg Of Banned African Catfish Destroyed In Joint Raid; Case Registered Against Farmer
Pune, June 13, 2026: Acting on information about the illegal cultivation of banned African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Peth, Naigaon village of Haveli taluka, Pune district, a joint team of the Fisheries Department and the Uruli Kanchan Police conducted a raid on June 11, 2026.
During the operation, officials removed and scientifically destroyed approximately 3,500 kilograms of the prohibited fish species from a farm pond. A criminal case has been registered against Ganesh Shankar Gaikwad, a resident of Peth, Naigaon dated June 11, 2026.
According to officials, the Central Government has prohibited the breeding and cultivation of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) due to the threat it poses to local biodiversity and the environment. Authorities also warned that consumption of the species may have adverse effects on human health.
The Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries, Pune, has appealed to the public not to breed, rear, transport, or sell the banned fish species. Officials cautioned that strict legal action will be taken against violators under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Food Safety and Standards Act, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
