Journalism of Courage
The tests conducted by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on the Pavana water have confirmed sharp drop in the level of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the river that might have caused large-scale fish mortality. Also,traces of some foreign material was found in the water,which officers suspect to be the handiwork of potential fishermen who poison the water to net fish.
On March 22,a large number of dead fish were found floating in the river in Wakad. While residents attributed their death to the release of untreated effluent in the river,MPCB officials had refused to comment on the issue.
B Gandhe,sub-regional officer (II),MPCB,had said that they have collected the water sample as well as the dead fish sample for forensic analysis.
As per the findings of the forensic analysis,the dissolved oxygen level of the water has come down to around three,which is way below the required level of 10,necessary for survival of aquatic life.
Talking to Newsline,senior officers of the MPCB said that during the tests some traces of foreign elements were found,which suggest deliberate poisoning of river water.
We suspect that fishermen might have poisoned the water in the area late evening that resulted in the death of fish, said an officer .
Th officers said that chances of untreated sewage being released into the water can not be ruled out.
We are also looking for the source from where the domestic or industrial sewage has been released in the river. Once the source is traced we will take necessary measures to stop it, they said.
