Jharsuguda: In a shocking incident thousands of dead fishes were found floating on the surface of Bheden river in Jharsuguda on Friday. Though the exact reason behind the death of the fishes is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected that water pollution could be the cause.
The fishermen living near the banks of the river are in worry as there is hardly any fishes left for them, forcing them to find alternative ways for earning till the monsoon arrives.
“On the whole banks of the Bheden river thousands of fishes are lying dead including the small fishes and many aquatic animals likes frogs etc have also died. It is suspected that, some industries present on upper stream has left toxic chemicals due to which fishes have died, even the colour of water colour has changed into orange proving something wrong in the river water. ” said Bhamarwar Kalo, fisherman Hirma.
As per sources around 100 fishermen lives near the Bheden river under Hirma Panchayat.
“On the upper stream there are two factories, we don’t know from which plant toxic chemical has been left into this river due to which the fishes and aquatic animals has died due to which the fishermen has been affected. I demand District Administration to take severe and immediate action against the company done this and also directed the accuse company to compensate fishermen till the next monsoon season arrives”. said a Dilip Badhei resident of Kandagarh under Hirma Panchayat
” We are not aware of the any such incident, we came to know through you. However, we will collect the water samples and send to the laboratory for examinations to check what has happened” said Niranjan Mallick, Regional Officer, Pollution Control Board, Jharsuguda
