By IANS
Guwahati : The State Pollution Board in Assam Wednesday launched an investigation into mysterious deaths of thousands of fish in the Brahamaputra river after fears of toxic chemicals were expressed by fishermen.
“We have already collected water samples and some dead fish for a thorough investigation and tests,” a pollution board official said.
More than 1,500 dead fish were found floating Tuesday on the banks of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati, causing the people to raise a hue and cry about it.
“We are trying to find out if these fish were poisoned,” a Kamrup district official said.
The authorities have asked the state Forensic Science Laboratory to conduct tests to find out more on the mysterious deaths.
“This is something unnatural and we can be sure only after proper tests,” D.J. Hazarika, a scientist at the laboratory, said.
Locals in the area said water pollution in the Brahmaputra could have caused deaths of the fish. “The river is heavily polluted and we think it is because of pollution,” said Gunaram Das, a fish monger in the area.
The unusual incident has led the people to stop consuming fish from local markets.
“Business is down after yesterday’s (Tuesday) incident. People are scared,” said Bishnu Deka, a fish seller.