Mass fish mortality in Kokernag’s Brengi stream raises pollution concerns

Srinagar, Jun 30: A large number of dead fish have been found floating in the Brengi stream in south Kashmir’s Kokernag triggering concern among residents and environmental observers over the health of one of the Valley’s important freshwater ecosystems.
According to locals, fish deaths were reported along the stretch of the stream from Dandipora to Develgam Beat area. The incident has raised fears of possible water pollution or another ecological disturbance affecting the water body, which is known for its rich aquatic biodiversity, including the prized brown trout and indigenous snow trout.
Residents said the sight of dead fish floating downstream has caused alarm and urged the authorities to immediately investigate the cause and take measures to prevent further damage to the fragile ecosystem.
Assistant Director Fisheries Anantnag, Shabir Ahmad, told the news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that the department has collected water and fish samples from the affected site for laboratory analysis to ascertain the exact cause of the fish mortality.
He said a similar incident involving the death of indigenous snow trout was reported in October last year in the Mattan area.
“At that time, the fish deaths were caused by polluted water and depletion of dissolved oxygen. Following the incident, several corrective measures were taken,” he said.
He added that water pollution remains the primary cause of fish mortality in streams and natural water bodies.
“There have been no reports of fish deaths in fish farms because they receive clean and continuously flowing water,” he said.
He appealed for the protection of natural water resources and stressed the need to prevent pollution of streams and rivers. “We have taken samples and appropriate measures will follow after the laboratory findings. We must save our natural resources,” he added. (KINS)