NGT issues notice to Tirunelveli Collector over threats to Tamirabharani River fish species
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims + Mains·
Biodiversity conservation and environmental law: a GS3 case study on endemic species and NGT's role.
Why in news
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a notice to the Tirunelveli Collector and other bodies over threats to endemic fish species in the Tamirabharani River due to pollution and habitat loss.
Background
The NGT took suo motu cognisance of a report identifying 125 fish species in the Tamirabharani River, seven of which are endemic. The bench cited pollution, habitat destruction, and untreated sewage as primary drivers of the decline in fish populations.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyNational Green Tribunal (NGT) is empowered to handle environmental disputes under Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010
- Fact125 fish species were identified in the upstream, midstream, and lower estuarine stretches of the Tamirabharani River
- FactSeven fish species identified in the river are endemic to the Tamirabharani
- PlaceTamirabharani River is located in Tamil Nadu
- Act / BillThe NGT order cited the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; and Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Prelims practice question
Which of the following acts was cited by the NGT in the context of protecting the Tamirabharani River's biodiversity?
- (a)Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- (b)Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- (c)Scheduled Tribes and Other Protected Tribes Act, 1922
- (d)Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Show answer
Answer: (a) Biological Diversity Act, 2002 — The NGT order cited the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; and Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
For Mains
Q. Examine the role of the National Green Tribunal in balancing industrial/human activity with the preservation of aquatic biodiversity and endemic species.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory oversight: Enforcement gap in managing untreated sewage and ritual-related waste in riparian zones
- Biodiversity loss: Impact of invasive aquatic plants and habitat destruction on endemic fish populations
- Legal framework: Application of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 in protecting riverine ecosystems
Keywords: Suo motu · Endemic species · Riparian vegetation · Habitat loss · National Green Tribunal · Biological Diversity
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