Kerala: Hundreds Of Dead Fish Found Floating In Periyar River, Pollution Suspected Cause

On May 20, river sections adjacent to the Pathalam bund appeared blackened after the bund's shutters were opened due to heavy rainfall.

Hundreds of fish were found dead in the Periyar River in Kochi, Kerala, on Tuesday, suspected to be caused by effluent from nearby industrial areas contaminating the water. Fishermen, facing substantial losses, accused pollution control officials of negligence.

According to ANI, A large number of dead fish were seen floating in Periyar River, in Ernakulam (Eloor, Chernalloor, Chittoor, Pachalam).

Various freshwater fish including red snapper, sea bass, pearlspot, catla and koori died in the blackish water.  

On the morning of May 21, a significant number of dead fish were discovered floating near the Pathalam bund and downstream. River sections adjacent to the Pathalam bund appeared blackened after the bund's shutters were opened on May 20 due to heavy rainfall.

 

Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeev instructed officials to investigate the matter and directed the district administration to initiate an inquiry, as per a report on Deccan Herald.

The Collector has stated that CCTV footage should be reviewed and stringent action should be taken against any such establishments, if necessary, as soon as possible.

Numerous fish farmers engaged in cage farming reported losses totaling lakhs of rupees. Farmers had reportedly invested ranging from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs into cage farming and the mass mortality occurring during the harvest period has plunged them into a severe crisis.

The health and food safety authorities are on high alert to prevent the dead fish from being sold to consumers.

A group of fish farmers staged a protest outside the offices of the Pollution Control Board and Varapuzha Panchayat demanding action for the dead fish.