National Green Tribunal Takes Note of Threats to Fish in Tamirabharani River

The National Green Tribunal has stepped in to protect rare fish in the Tamirabharani River in Tamil Nadu. The principal bench in New Delhi issued notices to the Tirunelveli Collector and five other groups. The action follows a news report about pollution and habitat loss harming fish in the river.

Respondents

The bench took up the matter on its own based on a media report published on September 28. The court added several groups as respondents in the case. These include the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the Central Pollution Control Board regional office in Chennai, the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, and the Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Centre.

Violations

The tribunal stated that the issues raised break rules under major environmental laws. These include the Environment Protection Act of 1986, the Water Pollution Prevention Act of 1974, and the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. The case involves heavy damage to 125 fish species found across different parts of the river, including seven types that live only in the Tamirabharani.

Causes

Many factors are driving down the fish count in the river. Problems listed include water pollution, loss of natural riverbank plants, harmful invasive fish species, and people using soap and shampoo while bathing. Other causes are religious rituals on the banks, dumping of old puja items and clothes, and the direct release of raw sewage into the water.

Next Steps

The New Delhi bench transferred the case to the Southern Bench of the Tribunal in Chennai. All respondents must submit their written replies at least one day before the next hearing date set for January 22, 2027.

Context

The National Green Tribunal handles cases related to environmental protection and pollution across India. Rivers in the country often face heavy pressure from untreated waste and human use. Legal actions like this aim to force local authorities and pollution control boards to clean up natural water bodies.