Guwahati: Thousands of dead fish have surfaced along the Kharkhari River in Assam, triggering fears about industrial pollution and its long-term impact on the local ecosystem. The die-off occurred between Shola and Trilochan, where locals discovered various species, including Puthi, Khalihna, Dorikona, and Borali, floating in the water and scattered across the riverbanks.
Residents are pointing to the Chaygaon Industrial Centre as the source of the contamination. Specifically, community members allege that Brahmaputra Biochem Pvt. Ltd. has been discharging untreated wastewater into the river system. Locals report that this is not an isolated event, noting that similar environmental crises have occurred multiple times in recent years despite previous complaints to authorities.
The recurring loss of marine life has devastated families who rely on the river for their income and food. Fishermen are warning that the declining population of fish threatens both their livelihoods and the broader regional food security. Environmental observers emphasize that continued chemical discharge could lead to lasting damage to water quality and aquatic biodiversity.
Calls are mounting for a formal investigation and stricter oversight of industrial environmental compliance. Residents are urging government departments to perform immediate water quality assessments and implement measures to prevent further ecological decay. Officials had not provided an official response regarding the incident at the time of reporting.
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