Dead fish found in Sirsa river at Nalagarh industrial cluster

Tribune News Service

Solan, June 9

A large number of dead fish were found in the Sirsa river near Sainimajra village in the Nalagarh industrial cluster in the district on Tuesday morning.

Residents of a nearby village in Nalagarh said they noticed a large number of dead fish in the Sirsa river. Migrants were found carrying the dead fish for consumption and crows and other birds also savoured them.

They said that the quality of river water had started improving during the lockdown when only a few industries were operational. But now when most of the industries were functioning, untreated industrial effluents were being callously discharged into the river, causing stench and water pollution. The river water not only emanated a foul odour but has also become a health hazard for people residing nearby.

The residents said that fish died in the river every year during the rainy season, as some erring industries dispose of toxic effluents into it. 

Blood was found oozing out of the fish, pointing towards the toxicity in the water.

Aditya Negi, Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board, said that a team comprising an Assistant Environment Engineer and a Junior Environment Engineer from the board and staff of the Fisheries Department visited the spot and took samples of the river water, fish as well as from the industries located in the vicinity. Further action would be taken after the lab reports were received, Negi said.

Water samples taken

Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board, said that a team comprising an Assistant Environment Engineer and a Junior Environment Engineer from the board and staff of the Fisheries Department visited the spot and took samples of the river water, fish as well as from the industries located in the vicinity. Further action would be taken after the lab reports were received, he added.