Srinagar: Outrage as Fish end up Dead on Dal Banks

Srinagar: The political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have called for a thorough probe into the mass fish mortality in Dal Lake, a phenomenon that locals reported over the past few days. 

The washing off of a large number of fish triggered concern amongst the locals and Dal dwellers that many believe happened after heavy rainfall in May. 

Some locals believe that the phenomenon happens annually in this month, part of which is also an outcome of the erratic weather; others, however, believe that it is happening due to the lower oxygen level in the water. 

"It happens every year now around May, but there were far too many fish dying this year. The lake has also become too dirty, and it is worse in the interiors," a Shikara rower told NewsClick. 

Calling for an inquiry, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, MY Tarigami, urged the authorities to involve environmental experts to ensure that the lake's ecosystem is restored and similar incidents are prevented. 

"This tragic incident not only poses a severe threat to the fragile ecosystem of the lake but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on the lake for their sustenance," he said. 

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leader and chief spokesperson of the party Tanvir Sadiq said that the sudden large-scale death is a serious concern and requires government intervention to ascertain its causes and effects.

"This Sudden large-scale death of fish in Dal Lake is a serious concern. I am not an expert, but apart from other factors, it can or maybe a disease outbreak or other imbalances in the aquatic environment. The government should immediately Conduct necropsies: (autopsies for animals), If feasible, on some of the dead fish to determine the cause of death. This can help identify diseases or other specific factors," he tweeted. 

Similarly, Congress leader Kadfeen Choudhary in his latest statement, also demanded a thorough investigation in this regard whilst urging the government to support the affected individuals and communities dependent on the lake. 

"This tragic event not only poses a severe threat to the fragile ecosystem of the lake but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on the lake for their sustenance and income," he said. 

The Congress leader also raised the alarm in view of the recently held G20 meeting in the lake's vicinity, during which, he said, streets and water bodies were being "embellished to create an aesthetically pleasing environment". 

"We question whether some chemicals or substances may have been sprinkled into the Dal waters to artificially enhance its appearance without considering the potential harm it could cause to the lake's delicate ecosystem," he said.