The Fisheries Department in Nagpur has destroyed more than 36 tonnes of banned Thai Mangur fish recovered from 11 ponds in Chicholi-Mahadula area of Parshivni taluka, following information about illegal farming and sale of the fish. The operation involved 25 local fishermen and was conducted to address concerns related to public health and the environment.The action, led by Assistant Commissioner Shubham Komrewar, was carried out after officials identified the ponds where Thai Mangur was allegedly being cultivated, local media reports.How officials tracked illegal Thai Mangur farmingAccording to the Fisheries Department, officials used Google mapping to locate ponds suspected of being involved in the illegal farming of Thai Mangur.The department also deployed dummy customers to verify information about the cultivation and sale of the prohibited fish before conducting the raids.After confirming the information, officials carried out the operation at the identified locations and brought in 25 local fishermen to assist with removing the fish from the ponds.More than 36 tonnes recovered and destroyedThe fishermen used nets to remove more than 36 tonnes of Thai Mangur from the 11 ponds.Officials subsequently placed the recovered fish in pits and buried it to ensure it was destroyed.The department has also reportedly submitted a complaint seeking action against farm owner Shakeel Khan Abdul Salam Khan in connection with the alleged illegal cultivation of the banned fish.The operation was conducted with public health and environmental concerns in mind, according to officials.51 tonnes destroyed in Nagpur region in three monthsThe latest operation forms part of a broader campaign against the illegal farming of Thai Mangur in the Nagpur region.Data provided by the Fisheries Department shows that around 51 tonnes of the banned fish have been destroyed through such operations over the past three months.The latest recovery of more than 36 tonnes ranks among the department's largest actions against illegal Thai Mangur farming in the area.Officials are expected to continue monitoring ponds and other sites where the prohibited fish may be cultivated illegally.