NGT issues notice to Tirunelveli Collector regarding threat to Tamirabharani fish species

The Chief Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has notified the Collector of Tirunelveli and five others of the threats faced by fish species in the Tamirabharani river due to pollution and habitat loss.

Taking suo motu cognizance of a report titled “Tamirabharani’s Endemic Fish Face Threats From Pollution, Habitat Loss” published in The Hindu on September 28, the Bench, comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert members A. Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahamed, ordered the Regional Pollus Control Authority in Pollu Nadu to control Chennai, the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) and the Agasthyamalai Community Conservation Center (ACCC) will be impleaded as respondents in addition to the Collector.

The order said: “The above novelty attracts the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Biodiversity Act, 2002 and prima facie raises fundamental environmental issues arising out of the implementation of the legislation listed in Schedule I of Act 20 of the National Green Act.

The court directed the registry to list the matter before the Southern Bench of the Chennai Tribunal on January 22, 2027, as the cause of action arose within its territorial jurisdiction.

He also directed the respondents to submit their replies to the board at least one day before the date of hearing. The Hindu reported that 125 species of fish have been identified in the upstream, midstream and lower estuary sections of the river. Seven of them are endemic to Tamirabharani.

Pollution, habitat destruction, loss of riparian vegetation, invasive fish and aquatic plants, use of soaps and shampoos by people bathing in the river, rituals performed on its banks, dumping of puja materials and clothing, and discharge of untreated sewage have contributed to the decline of fish populations.

Published – November 7, 2026 10:30 PM IST