Assam Fisheries Department Destroys Seven Quintals of Banned Thai Catfish

Guwahati: The Assam Fisheries Department conducted a major raid on June 18, seizing nearly seven quintals of banned Thai catfish in the village of Poyranga. Led by Mondip Saikia, a fisheries officer from the Chhaygaon Development Block, the operation targeted illegal farming activities within the Kamrup district. Following the seizure, workers destroyed the fish by burying them in salt-filled pits.

Authorities launched this enforcement drive to combat the environmental damage caused by the invasive species. The National Green Tribunal banned the fish in 2000 due to significant health and ecological concerns. Officials explained that the species poses a severe threat to indigenous varieties like Borali, Puthi, and Khalihna by disrupting their breeding cycles and upsetting the balance of local water bodies.

Beyond environmental impact, officials expressed concern regarding the consumption of Thai catfish. The department stated, "The cultivation of Thai catfish poses a serious threat to indigenous fish species by disrupting breeding cycles and damaging the ecological balance of local water bodies." Beyond this, potential health risks persist due to the unhygienic practices often associated with this illegal farming. The state has warned that individuals involved in the production or sale of these fish will face strict legal consequences as the department continues its campaign across the region.