SRINAGAR: A large number of dead fish were found floating in the Brengi stream in south Kashmir’s Kokernag area on Wednesday, triggering concern among residents and environmentalists over the health of one of the Valley’s key freshwater ecosystems.
According to locals, the fish deaths were reported along the stretch of the stream between Dandipora and the Develgam Beat area. The incident has sparked fears of possible water pollution or another ecological disturbance affecting the water body, which is home to the prized brown trout and the indigenous snow trout.
Residents said the sight of dead fish floating downstream has caused widespread alarm and urged the authorities to conduct an immediate investigation to determine the cause and take steps to prevent further damage to the fragile aquatic ecosystem.
Quoting officials, news agency KINS reported that the Fisheries Department has collected water and fish samples from the affected site for laboratory analysis.
Assistant Director Fisheries, Anantnag, Shabir Ahmad, said the exact cause of the fish mortality would be ascertained after the laboratory examination.
He recalled that a similar incident involving the death of indigenous snow trout had occurred in the Mattan area in October last year.
“At that time, the fish deaths were caused by polluted water and depletion of dissolved oxygen. Following the incident, several corrective measures were taken,” he said.
Shabir Ahmad said water pollution remains the primary cause of fish mortality in streams and other natural water bodies, adding that no such incidents have been reported from fish farms as they receive clean, continuously flowing water.
He appealed to the public to protect natural water resources and prevent pollution of streams and rivers. “We have taken the samples, and further action will be taken after the laboratory findings. We must protect our natural resources,” he said.
