For nearly three decades, a banned fish species has been openly circulating in Delhi-NCR markets, exposing critical gaps in enforcement and posing serious health risks to consumers. The Thai magur, scientifically known as Clarias gariepinus, continues to dominate local fish markets despite being prohibited since 1997.
The Illegal Fish Trade Thriving in Plain Sight
Walk through any major fish market in Delhi-NCR, and you'll find the controversial Thai magur being sold openly or under the counter. This African catfish has completely replaced the native Indian Magur in both popularity and availability, creating an environmental and public health crisis.
The price difference tells the story of this illegal trade. While the indigenous Indian magur costs around Rs 1,000 per kilogram, the banned Thai variety sells for just Rs 80-100 per kg, making it the preferred choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking cheap protein.
"If you are ready to pay Rs 1,000 per kg, I can provide the Indian magur. But people want it cheap, so we give them the Thai one for Rs 80-100 a kilo," revealed Sarfaraz, a fish trader at Ghazipur market.
Government Bans and Enforcement Failures
The Central government first prohibited the sale and cultivation of Thai magur in 1997 due to concerns about its devastating impact on local aquatic ecosystems and potential health hazards. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) reinforced this ban multiple times, most recently in April 2024.
In its latest order, the NGT explicitly stated: "The breeding and culturing of exotic catfish or its hybrids (Thai magur etc.) i.e. Clarias gariepinus is prohibited in all the states and Union territories. The existing stock will be destroyed forthwith."
Despite these clear directives, enforcement remains shockingly inadequate. Most of the banned fish enters the NCR market through Ghazipur mandi, completely bypassing official records and monitoring systems.
Health Risks and Farming Dangers
The health implications of consuming illegally farmed Thai magur are particularly alarming. Dr Yudhveer, a medical professional at AIIMS, explained the serious contamination risks.
"The fish skin may contain high concentrations of mercury and other chemicals when they are cultivated in dirty water. When the cultivation of Thai magur is banned, instead of ponds, farmers use dirty pits to rear them," he warned.
This unregulated farming method means consumers are potentially exposed to dangerous chemical contaminants that can accumulate in human bodies over time.
Why Enforcement Remains Elusive
Multiple factors contribute to the continued availability of banned Thai magur. Law enforcement officials admit they lack the expertise to distinguish between native and banned varieties.
"We are not fish experts," confessed a police constable on duty at Sector 46 fish market, highlighting a fundamental problem in enforcement capabilities.
Traders operate with surprising openness. The president of the fish traders' association questioned, "If APMC officials cannot see Thai magur being traded from here, who am I to raise an objection?"
The problem extends beyond Ghazipur. Unauthorized markets in Sultanpuri and Noida's Sector 12 also serve as major entry points. Sellers like Karim confirm that Thai magur is widely cultivated in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and sells for Rs 150-160 per kg.
While occasional raids have occurred – including seizures of 25 quintals in Mangolpuri in 2017 and 1,500 kg in Ghaziabad in 2020 – these actions remain rare and insufficient to curb the widespread trade.
As one fish seller accurately summarized the situation: "Till the time people are not aware of the health risks that are involved in consumption of the African variant of magur, there will be demand and supply."
