India, July 10 -- The Union fisheries department has told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that a combination of factors - including pollution, dams, competition for water, and habitat loss - is contributing to the decline of native fish species in the Yamuna, while exotic species are on the rise.

In its response, the department said several schemes and committees have been formed over the years to reverse the trend, including a recent initiative that provides financial assistance of Rs.3 per fingerling (80-100mm in size) for stocking native species in major river basins, including the Yamuna.

The NGT had taken suo motu cognisance of a May 9 Amar Ujala report that flagged the growing presence of exotic species in the river, and subsequ...