Thousands of fish were reported to be found dead in a pond created by Kribhco Company near its fertiliser plant at Hazira on Monday afternoon.
The incident came to light after the villagers complained about it to the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) officials. Kribhco, a fertiliser production cooperative, smells a conspiracy in the incident.
Fish of various sizes were found dead at the pond measuring 175 hectares. This surprised the local villagers who immediately informed the GPCB about it. GPCB officials rushed to the spot and took samples of the pond water. They also clicked photographs of the same. Water samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing and reports are awaited.
The treated waste water discharged from the Kribhco plant is released into the pond, which is a restricted place for people. The waste water in the pond is then allowed to get evaporated.
However, during tides and ebbs, the waste water of the pond and the sea water get mixed and so does the marine organisms. Currently, fish found in the wild such as boi, and crabs among others, are found in the pond.
When the incident was reported, Kribhco claimed that only boi were found dead, while fish of other species are still alive.
A statement issued by Kribhco said, “It appears that a few persons with vested interest have adopted illegal methods for catching fish. The quality of water after proper tests has been found fit for survival of fish.”
