The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday ordered issue of notices to the Union and State governments on a public interest litigation petition seeking directions to the government to close illegal catfish rearing farms in and around Bagalur in east Bangalore.
A Division Bench comprising Justice K. Sreedhar Rao and Justice B. Manohar passed the order on a petition filed by D.M. Moula and others, residents of Razaksabpalya, Bagalur Post, Jala Hobli, Bangalore.
The petitioners said respondents, other than the government authorities, had been rearing the African catfish, which is prohibited in India because of its predatory nature.
‘No action taken’
The petitioners said despite many pleas to government authorities, no action has been taken to stop the illegal fish farming in and around Bagalur, including Razaksabpalya, Mastansabpalya, Budansabpalya and surrounding areas.
Moreover, the catfish farmers dumped the offal, meant to feed the catfish, in the locality and this attracted birds of prey.
Life affected
Such illegal activities are not only affecting the quality of life of the local community but also the operations of the nearby Indian Air Force base as well at the Bengaluru International Airport, the petitioners said.
Even appeals by the IAF to close down the illegal catfish farming have failed to evoke any action, they said.
