Fish farming business in Periyar suffers loss of Rs 10 crore; Fisheries report to be submitted to government today

KOCHI: Recently, in Periyar, there was an incident where a large number of dead fish were seen floating in the water. This incident has caused the business to suffer losses of 10 crore rupees. The fisheries report, which will help the fishermen gain compensation, will be sent to the government today. The decision regarding the compensation will be taken after considering matters such as the quality of the fish.

The preliminary investigation by the fisheries has led them to believe that the loss incurred is around 10 crore rupees. The centre of the damage estimation is the panchayats. Fort Kochi Sub Collector K Meera will record the statements of the fish farmers and officials today. On the basis of the statements, the report will be submitted in the afternoon.

The cause of the fish’s death is being inspected by the expert committee appointed by KUFOS. The inspection is going on. The inspection is being held in various areas in Periyar. They are expected to submit the report tomorrow. Earlier, samples of the fish and water from the incident site were collected by the Pollution Control Board and sent to the KUFOS Central Lab for testing. The test results are expected to be given within one week.

A large number of fish were found dead and floating in the water on Monday midnight under the Pathalam regulator-cum-bridge in Periyar. The fisheries report says that around 150 fish cages have also been destroyed.

Varapuzha, Cheranalloor and Kadamakkudy are the panchayats that have been affected the most. Carp, poolan, kalanchi and other fishes died in the mass. The water under the regulator-cum-bridge had also undergone a colour change.

As it is an industrial area, it is alleged that the dumping of chemical wastes into the river led to the death of fish. District Collector NSK Umesh has stated that strict action will be taken against the companies who have dumped the chemical waste into the river.

Meanwhile, the Pollution Control Board has issued a notice to shut down the Alliance Marine Industries Company in Edayar. The notice has been sent for the dumping of chemical waste into the river. It is reported that more companies will face the same consequences.

Locals had conducted a protest in front of the Pollution Control Board office in Eloor after this incident. They demanded that the government should give compensation to them along with a free ration for 6 months.