Mass Fish Death In Odisha’s Paradip Creek Sparks Environmental Alarm
Suspected pollution and low oxygen levels under scanner as authorities launch probe.
Bhubaneswar : A large number of fish were found dead in the Kapiljor creek in Paradip on Sunday, triggering serious concern among local residents and environmental activists over a possible ecological crisis.
Heaps of dead fish were seen floating on the surface, while several others were observed gasping for survival, indicating a sudden disturbance in the aquatic ecosystem. The incident has raised fears of long-term environmental damage and deteriorating water quality in the creek.
The exact cause of the mass fish mortality is yet to be officially established. Officials from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Paradip, have cited possible reasons such as discharge of industrial chemicals into the water body or a sharp drop in dissolved oxygen levels, potentially caused by excessive organic waste.
They stated that a conclusive finding would emerge only after a detailed field investigation and scientific analysis of water samples.
The incident has intensified concerns over alleged inaction by local authorities. Siba Biswal, Secretary of Environment Protection Trust, Paradip, claimed that repeated warnings regarding rising pollution levels in the creek had been ignored.
“We had alerted the Paradip Municipal Corporation and port authorities about the need for sludge removal and pollution control measures, but no steps were taken,” he alleged, adding that unchecked industrial discharge could be behind the large-scale fish deaths.
Sludge removal work has now been initiated by the municipality, according to cleaning contractor Suryakant Biswal. However, he said the fish were already dead before the cleaning operations began.
“The fish are decomposing, and a strong foul odour has spread across the area. It appears that some chemical contamination might have caused the deaths,” he noted.
Authorities are expected to carry out a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.
“There is urgent need for strict monitoring of industrial effluents and effective management of water bodies in the Paradip region. Otherwise, there shall be huge losses of the fish resources in the creek,” said Giridhari Samal, a local fish exporter.
