- Mass fish kill was reported in the Periyar River in May between the 15 km stretch of Pathalam to Panampukad.
- Fishing And cage farming community sustained heavy losses due to the mass killing of Pearl spots, tilapia and cobia fish varieties.
- Potential Reasons:
- The Kerala State Pollution Control Board reported that the sudden opening of the Pathalam shutters after heavy rains released organic waste, causing oxygen levels to drop and leading to the fish kill.
- The Department of Irrigation has dismissed claims and suspects the fish deaths were due to toxic effluents from Edayar’s industrial units.
- River watchers and activists blame industrial units for discharging untreated toxic wastewater into the river, causing fish deaths.
- A preliminary report by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies pointed to low oxygen levels and chemical pollutants in the water samples collected at the site of the fish death even as it expressed the suspicion that sulphur may have been released directly into the water.
- The university did not specify the origin of the chemicals either as organic or inorganic.
- Steps taken by Government:
- A proposal is being considered to build a dyke wall or inspection walkway along Edayar’s industrial stretch to prevent illegal effluent discharge, with a detailed plan to be submitted for government approval.
- The government assured the establishment of a high-level committee to consider a River Monitoring Authority and protocols for sluice gate operations.
- Disheartened fish farmers are contemplating shifting to farm tourism due to these recurring problems, potentially marking the end of fish farming in the Periyar.
The Eloor-Edayar industrial area:
- It is home to 286 units, including 106 highly polluting ones, which remains a significant concern.
- Activists highlighted the government’s approval of a large fish processing plant despite ongoing pollution issues.
- Persistent pollution in the Periyar has led to frequent fish deaths, often gaining media attention only during major incidents.
Dig Deeper: Read about the endemic fish varieties of western ghat.
