Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A staggering two tonnes of lifeless fish were discovered and removed from the Kapaleeswarar temple tank in Mylapore on Monday. The incident, shrouded in mystery, has left residents questioning the sudden demise of the aquatic inhabitants. The alarm was raised by locals after a foul stench emanated from the tank around 10 pm on Sunday, following the Karthigai Deepam festival.
The temple tank, under the administration of the HR&CE department, prompted immediate action from authorities upon notification. Residents speculate that the oil used in thousands of lamps during the festival may have seeped into the water, causing the mass fish deaths. Officials are also considering the possibility that leftover oil washed into the tank due to heavy rain on Sunday.
Kavinitha, the Joint Commissioner of Kapaleeswarar temple, acknowledged that a significant number of fish deaths occur in the tank during the rainy season each year. Preliminary investigations suggest that external pollutants, possibly carried by rainwater, may have entered the tank. Water samples have been sent for detailed testing, and the fisheries department has been called upon to provide a comprehensive report on the incident.
Further actions will be taken based on their recommendations. The community remains on edge as they await answers to the mysterious demise of the temple tank’s aquatic residents.
