The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Central Government seeking explanations regarding the use of two invasive fish species—Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy)—as biological control agents for mosquito populations. This inquiry follows concerns about the ecological impacts these species may have on local water bodies across various states in India.
During the hearing of a plea, it was brought to light that these fish have been introduced into ecosystems in states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh. The primary aim behind releasing these fish, particularly Mosquitofish in the aforementioned states and Guppy in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, and Odisha, was to curb mosquito-borne diseases.
The plea highlighted that the National Biodiversity Authority has classified both Gambusia Affinis and Poecilia Reticulata as “invasive and alien,” noting their detrimental effects on indigenous aquatic species by diminishing their food resources and disrupting local ecosystems. Moreover, the plea referenced international actions, pointing out that countries like Australia and New Zealand have imposed bans on Mosquitofish due to its aggressive nature and ecological threats.
Citing a report by the Invasive Species Specialist Group, the plea underscored that Mosquitofish ranks among the top 100 of the world’s “worst invasive alien species,” raising significant concerns about its unchecked proliferation in Indian water bodies.
