Hundreds of fish found dead in Kamini rivulet, officials undertake inquiry

Mangaluru: The death of hundreds of fish in Kamini rivulet at Hejamadi Muttalive area prompted officials from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute to visit the spot and collect samples

Locals have alleged that water being released into the river from coal stockyard in UPCL has contaminated the water and it appears blackish.

The officials collected fish samples as also water samples from Ermal Kalsanka area, coal stockyard in UPCL, Ermal pumping station and also from defunct wells in the surrounding areas. The same has been sent to NITK, Surathkal for testing and the report is expected in six days time. Once the report is received suitable action will be taken.

Meanwhile Hejamadi Gram Panchayat Vice President Sudkahar Karkera suspected that the fish may have died due to lack of oxygen. “The construction of a bridge at Muttalive at a cost of Rs 80 lakh, had blocked the flow of water from Kamini rivulet on one side of the bridge,” he clarified.