Fish kill after sugar factories release chemical effluents to Doodhganga river

Belagavi: Thousands of fish have died within the Doodhganga river up to now week because of the discharge of chemical effluents via sugar factories in Maharashtra. Small and massive fish are washing up at the bridge-cum-barrage at the river at Karadaga village, Chikkodi taluk. The local gram panchayat has recommended locals to steer clear of consuming river water without boiling it. Asha activists are making door-to-door visits to create awareness.

I H Jagadish, regional officer of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and ZP member Sumitra Ugale, assistant engineer of teen irrigation department Appasab Desai, and Karagada PDO Prakash Dhanagar inspected the spot.

KSPCB officers have despatched 25 samples of river water for exams. "The problem came up after effluents were released by Maharashtra-based sugar factories, Jawahar Cooperative Sugars and Shahu Cooperative Sugars in Kolhapur district. We brought this to the notice of officers of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, requesting it to take necessary action," they informed TOI.

ZP member Sumitra Ugale mentioned the river ceaselessly gets polluted because of the discharge of chemicals into the water via factories in Maharashtra, resulting in the dying of aquatic animals. Sumitra demanded action within the case.