NEW DELHI, Feb 3: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Centre seeking a response regarding the use of two highly invasive and alien fish species, Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy), as biological agents for controlling mosquitoes in various states.
The plea, which was brought before the tribunal, highlights the release of these species into water bodies across several states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh for Mosquitofish, and Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, and Odisha for Guppy species.
The petition argues that the National Biodiversity Authority has classified these fish species as “invasive and alien” due to their harmful impact on local aquatic ecosystems. These species are said to cause food scarcity for indigenous fish species, disrupting the natural balance. It also pointed out that countries such as Australia and New Zealand have imposed bans on Mosquitofish for similar ecological reasons.
The plea further cited a report from the Invasive Species Specialist Group, which listed Mosquitofish among the world’s 100 “worst invasive alien species.”
In an order dated January 24, a bench comprising NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel directed that a notice be issued to the respondents, including the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Biodiversity Authority, and the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, to file their response. The matter has been scheduled for further proceedings on May 6.
