Date:29/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/29/stories/2007072950800200.htm

Tamil Nadu

Thousands of fishes found dead in Amirthasagaram Lake

Special Correspondent

Villagers suspect that mixing of urea in the lake water is the cause of death

— Photo: By Special arrangement

Poisoned: Fishes in Amirthasaharam fresh water tank in Paruthipalli village in Namakkal district were found dead.

NAMAKKAL: Thousands of fully-grown fresh water fish of different species were found dead in the sprawling Amirthasagaram Lake at Paruthipalli village, near here, on Saturday. Mixing of urea in the lake water is suspected to be the cause for death.

40 tonne loss

An initial estimate put the loss of fish at a staggering 40 tonnes, worth lakhs of rupees. The lake, which has a water spread of nearly 340 acres, received copious water from rain last year. Some six months ago, the right to catch fish was given on auction to a fishermen’s society, which, according to villagers, had sub-leased it to a few locals.

But Paruthipalli village panchayat objected to the auction demanding that fishing rights of the village lake be given to the panchayat. They claimed that the Madras High Court had also suggested that the village panchayat be given priority. Accordingly the district administration awarded the fishing rights to the village panchayat.

Poisoning alleged

It was against this backdrop that the fish in the lake were found floating on Saturday. Annoyed, the village president preferred a police complaint alleging that the water in the lake could have been poisoned. The villagers also did not allow officials to remove the dead fish from the lake demanding the immediate arrest of those who were responsible for this.

Samples collected

Samples of water and the dead fish have been collected and sent to a laboratory in Mettur. "Based on the labortary report alone can we initiate any action," said a senior revenue official.