Residents in the Samba district expressed anguish over ongoing and alarming phenomenon of fish loss within the renowned Mansar Lake of Jammu Kashmir.
Over the course of the last four days, an estimated 2000 fish have died, prompting urgent response measures from Wildlife Department officials.
The situation has sparked significant concern among locals, who fear the possibility of a disease outbreak being responsible for the sudden and widespread deaths.
According to reports from the Daily Excelsior, efforts to remove the deceased fish from the lake are currently underway, with Wildlife Department staff diligently working to prevent pollution and potential epidemics.
This repeated occurrence of fish mortality in Mansar Lake has heightened anxiety within the community, especially considering the magnitude of the current death toll.
Wildlife Department officers Bishamber Singh and Surinsar Mansar, tasked with overseeing the area, have shed light on the concerning development.
They noted that the unexpected deaths commenced four days ago, initially appearing as isolated incidents.
However, as the days progressed, the number of deceased fish continued to rise, exacerbating concerns among officials and residents alike.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the fish had succumbed to their demise due to the ingestion of hailstones during recent bouts of rainfall.
Singh and Mansar emphasized the importance of promptly addressing the situation by burying the dead fish in designated pits, ensuring that any potential spread of disease is mitigated effectively.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities have mobilized efforts to not only manage the immediate aftermath but also to investigate preventive measures to safeguard the lake’s ecosystem and the livelihoods it supports.