Banned Mangur fish farms found near Ujani Dam catchment
The operation was carried out by a joint team constituted by the Pune District Collector. Mangur, or African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), is a banned exotic fish species.
The Union Ministry of Agriculture banned the cultivation of Mangur fish in December 1997. Officials said the species can threaten native fish and aquatic ecosystems.
If Mangur enter rivers or reservoirs, they can prey on native species and compete with them for food and habitat. Species such as Catla, Rohu and Mrigal could be affected, officials said.
Despite the ban, unauthorised cultivation of Mangur has continued in parts of Maharashtra, including Pune district.
Archana Shinde, Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries, Pune, said people who come across illegal Mangur fish farms can share information with the fisheries department at acfpune@gmail.com.
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