As countless trout fish perish in Dachigam stream; environmentalists call for action

Srinagar, July 29 – An environmental calamity has struck the Dachigam lower stream yet again, as the indiscriminate use of bleaching powder has led to the death of countless trout fish. This incident has sparked outrage among locals and environmentalists, in Kashmir, calling into question the effectiveness of the government’s and the Fisheries Department’s protective measures for this critical habitat.

Incident background:

The glacier-fed waters of Dachigam stream, renowned for its trout population, have again been mysteriously  contaminated with bleaching powder, leading to the mass death of fish. Witnesses reported several dead fish floating on the water’s surface, a sight both heartbreaking and infuriating for those who cherish the natural beauty and ecological significance of the area. While the larger fish are swiftly removed by those using this tactic, the smaller fish were seen floating on the waters by a Ziraat Times team which visted the area.

Community outcry:

Local residents, who deeply value Dachigam stream, have expressed profound distress. “It’s devastating to see such senseless destruction,” said Fayaz Ahmed, a local resident whose home is near the stream. “We’ve always enjoyed watching the trout in their natural habitat. Now, they’re all gone”, he told a Ziraat Times Team that visited the area on Monday.

Green Citizens Council, an influential environmental advocacy group has also expressed its concerns over the repeated incidents of mass killing of trout fish in Kashmir’s streams.

 Who is responsible?

The key questions now being asked in environmental circles are: Who is responsible for this environmental atrocity? And why were these harmful chemicals used in the first place?

Preliminary reports suggest that the bleaching powder may have been used illegally, either for fishing purposes or as a means of disposing waste. However, the exact motivations remain unclear, necessitating a thorough investigation.

Government and environmentalists’ response:

Environmental groups and local activists are urging the government to take immediate action. “This is a callous act of environmental vandalism,” Faiz Bakshi, a prominent environmental activist said. “The government must identify and prosecute those responsible to prevent future incidents”, said Bashir Guroo, another local resident and prominent businessman.

The fisheries department, criticized for failing to act preemptively, has pledged to conduct a detailed inquiry. “We are committed to protecting our aquatic resources,” an official at Dachigam told Ziraat Times.