Mass fish death triggers panic in Ropar’s Nikku Nangal village
Panic gripped the residents of Nikku Nangal village in Nangal tehsil of Ropar district after a large number of dead fish were found floating in the village pond on Thursday morning.
Locals gathered as the sight sparked concerns of possible contamination or poisoning of water. Authorities from the local administration, along with officials from the Fisheries Department, rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.
The administration immediately began flushing out the pond and removed the dead fish which were reportedly dumped underground in an attempt to prevent any health hazard. However, apprehensions were expressed by villagers that some of the toxic fish might have made their way to the local markets before officials could intervene.
SDM Nangal Sachin Pathak when contacted said that a team from the Fisheries Department has collected water and fish samples. The samples have been sent to Guru Angadh Dev veterinary university in Ludhiana for laboratory testing to determine the exact cause of death. The results would take at least four days.
“There were no reports of fish from pond reaching market,” he said.
The officials have not yet confirmed whether the incident was due to pollution, oxygen depletion or poisoning. Villagers are demanding a thorough inquiry.
“We are worried that if even a small quantity of these fish were sold in the market, it could pose a serious health risk,” said a concerned resident.
Officials have urged the public not to consume fish purchased from unknown or unverified sources over the past two days until the test results are out. The incident has also raised questions about water quality monitoring and regulatory oversight of village ponds.
Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium
Take your experience further with Premium access.
Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only Benefits
Already a Member? Sign In Now