Anantnag, Feb 23, KNT: Hundreds of fish were found dead in Sherbagh spring in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, prompting concern among locals and triggering an inspection by the Fisheries Department.
Officials said a departmental team visited the site on Monday following reports of large-scale fish mortality. During the inspection, the team observed what it described as signs of water contamination and concluded that the deaths were likely caused by the presence of harmful pollutants.
According to officials, the source point of the spring at Nagabal has seen activities that may be contributing to the contamination. The department alleged that wastewater from nearby facilities, including washing activities and the discharge of used water containing soap and other chemical substances, may be entering the spring system.
The team noted that detergents and similar chemical agents can significantly reduce dissolved oxygen levels and introduce toxic elements into freshwater bodies, adversely affecting aquatic life. Officials said preliminary observations suggest that such contamination may have led to the mass fish deaths.
Locals expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the spring, which serves as an important water body in the area. They urged authorities to take immediate corrective measures to prevent further ecological damage.
The Fisheries Department said further scientific analysis of water samples would be conducted to confirm the exact cause and determine the extent of contamination. [KNT]
