Mass Fish Kill in Ashtamudi Lake Raises Alarm Over Pollution

by Fishery News
Published: Last Updated on

Kollam: Hundreds of dead fish were discovered floating across Ashtamudi Lake on Sunday morning, unsettling residents and raising concerns about environmental contamination. Though isolated fish deaths have occurred in the past, the scale of this incident is unprecedented, with fish washing ashore across multiple locations.

The fish began appearing lifeless by Saturday evening, and by the next morning, large swaths of the lake were blanketed with carcasses. Many locals believe pollution from waste discharge is to blame, suspecting leachate contamination as the primary cause. Some worry the situation will worsen with an unbearable stench soon spreading across the area.

Communities living along the waterbody have reported frequent sightings of tankers dumping septic waste into the backwaters, often under the cover of night in remote areas. Factories and other businesses are also being blamed for releasing untreated waste into the lake, despite environmental regulations intended to prevent such practices.

Experts have collected water samples to analyze potential causes, with some suggesting that depleted oxygen levels may have triggered the mass deaths. However, further testing is required before any definitive conclusions can be reached.

The incident has left the local fishing community in distress, fearing the loss of income as residents hesitate to purchase fish from the lake. With rumors of chemical contamination spreading, fishers worry that public mistrust will linger, even if future catches remain unaffected.

As officials investigate, both environmental advocates and fishers brace for the potential fallout, uncertain about the lake’s recovery and the livelihoods dependent on it.

 

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Shares