The Maharashtra Fisheries Department has taken decisive action against illegal aquaculture operations in the Ujani reservoir, seizing 2.4 tonnes of banned African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) during a large-scale operation on November 27, 2025. The crackdown targeted unauthorised fish farming activities at Kalthan No. 2 in Indapur, where the invasive species was being cultivated despite repeated warnings.

African catfish farming is prohibited in Maharashtra in accordance with a Government of India circular issued on December 19, 1997, which bans the inland cultivation of this predatory, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) due to its severe ecological impact. Officials said the illegal stock was being transported to markets when it was intercepted.