Authorities have sprung into action following reports of a significant number of fish deaths in the area over consecutive days. Concerned officials from various government departments, including the Fisheries Department, have rushed to the scene to ascertain the cause of this puzzling phenomenon.
The team of officials, including Muslem Uddin Ahmed from the Fisheries Department, Khsitish Debbarma, and Kamal Haque from Sepahijala District and Sonamura sub-divisional offices of the Fisheries Department, as well as SDM Manik Lal Das and others, arrived at Padmadhepa Lake, an expansive water body spanning approximately 100 kani, in Sonamura on Monday.
The initial report of the fish deaths was brought to public attention by the Tripura Times, and local fish farmers, organized under the banner of the Brothers Group, were quick to share their concerns. According to these farmers, mass fish deaths during the rainy season are an annual occurrence, and this year proved to be no exception. They placed blame on the nearby ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) project, alleging that toxic substances released from the project had contaminated the lake’s water, leading to the demise of the fish population.
Upon their arrival, the visiting team conducted a thorough inspection of the Padmadhepa Lake area and engaged in discussions with ONGC project representatives, including Project Manager Amar Priyo Basumatari and others. While the ONGC authority denied any connection between their operations and the fish deaths, they agreed to accompany the Fisheries Department team for further investigation.
As part of the ongoing inquiry, both the Fisheries Department and ONGC officials collected samples of the lake water, water from surrounding wetlands, and soil. These samples will undergo extensive testing to determine the precise cause of the widespread fish fatalities, which have been a recurring source of financial distress for local fish farmers.
The investigation aims to provide clarity on the situation and, if necessary, implement measures to prevent future fish deaths, offering relief to the affected community and ensuring the health of the aquatic ecosystem in the region.
