(IN): Marine life under threat in Guwahati

December 19, 2007

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Marine life under threat in Guwahati

Kishalay Bhattacharjee

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 (Guwahati)

An unnatural phenomenon, marine life dying in the Brahmaputra in

Guwahati leaves experts baffled and worse police had to intervene to

stop people from making a meal of the dying fish.

''People are catching these fish. Later they will consume it and get

poisoned, ''said a policeman.

The district administration has issued a warning against consuming

fish dying unnaturally. But not before the big catches were gone. The

smaller variety was still seen dying. None of the government agencies

were seen at the site till we informed the pollution control department.

But even experts are at a loss to explain the unnatural death of fish.

''This is an unnatural phenomenon which is happening, but without lab

tests we cant say anything, for us also it's a new thing,'' said Dr D

J Hazarika Department of Foresnic Sciences.

A few weeks ago, NDTV had carried a report on the numerous vessels in

this area licensed to run floating restaurants and discos, releasing

pollutants into the water, affecting marine life. But no one seems to

have taken notice yet.

Earlier, after we reported how waste from Indian Oil's refinery was

being dumped into the river, the PSU took immediate corrective steps.

But this apart, the river continues to get more polluted with each

passing day.

It is a lifeline of the entire region and a source of livelihood for

thousands besides being the source of water supply to the state. But

the Brahmaputra has been more abused then used. The effects are here

to see. This phenomenon may be a localised case but it should act as a

wakeup call.

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