Polluted reservoir water kills fish

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, May 25

A large number of fish were found dead in Nagchala reservoir on Friday due to water pollution. The locals are blaming negligence on part of the district administration for the loss of aquatic life.

Local resident Bhup Singh Saklani said a local committee formed for the maintenance of the reservoir failed to do its job. He said polluted water from nearby temples had blocked the main outlet of the reservoir.

“The reservoir has religious significance. I had informed the Additional Deputy Commissioner about the issue two days ago, but no action was taken,” he said.

Fishery officer Richa Gupta inspected the reservoir. While speaking to The Tribune, she said the fish died due to shortage of oxygen in the water, adding the natural water flow in the reservoir had stopped as the main outlet was blocked. She said that contaminated water from nearby habitations was also polluting the reservoir.

She advised the local body to ensure fresh water supply into the reservoir for increasing the oxygen level.

A large number of devotees feed fish in the reservoir during their visit to nearby temples.