Locals, environmentalists demand urgent action as chemical pollution threatens fragile aquatic ecosystem; DC Ganderbal assures action against culprits
KANGAN: The illegal use of bleaching powder to kill and catch trout fish in Nallah Sindh in the Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal is reportedly continuing unabated, triggering serious environmental concerns and raising questions over the effectiveness of monitoring by the Fisheries Department.
According to locals, miscreants have been pouring bleaching powder into the waters of Nallah Sindh, particularly along the Prang–Wussan stretch. The chemical causes rapid de-oxygenation of water, leading to the instant death of large trout fish, which are then illegally collected. Smaller fish and other aquatic organisms, which often go uncaught, reportedly die a slow and painful death, causing irreparable damage to the river’s fragile ecosystem.
Locals said the practice becomes more lethal during this period when the water flow in the stream is low, allowing the bleaching powder to spread quickly across a confined stretch. “At this time of the year, a small quantity of bleaching powder can wipe out the entire fish population in a particular area,” a local said.
Locals further alleged that the bleaching powder is procured from departments where it is legitimately used for chlorination and sanitation purposes, and is then misused for illegal fishing. They expressed resentment over the alleged absence of Fisheries Department field staff, claiming that fisheries guards posted in the area are rarely seen on the ground.
“The department meant to protect aquatic life seems to be in deep slumber or silently overlooking these activities,” locals alleged, warning that if immediate action is not taken, the prized trout population of Nallah Sindh may completely perish.
The residents, civil society and social workers have appealed to the District Administration Ganderbal, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, and the Director of Fisheries to intervene urgently. They demanded strict legal action against those involved and sought exemplary punishment to deter others from indulging in such environmentally destructive practices.
Reacting to the issue, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal Jatin Kishore told Kashmir Reader that the matter has come to his notice. “We are ascertaining the facts. If anyone is found involved in this illegal activity, they will be dealt with strictly under the law,” the DC said.