High pollution level in Yamuna River kills thousands of fish

Agra, Sept 18 (ANI): High level of pollution in the Yamuna River is killing thousands of fish in Agra.

The river is already in a pathetic condition with its water unfit for even bathing, leave alone drinking. Adding to its deplorable state are the hundreds of dead fish floating on the surface of the river.

Residents are concerned as some have been collecting these fish and selling them in the market which could lead to hazardous results and even spread of diseases.

Due to the discharge of untreated effluents upstream from open drains and barrages, the quality of water has deteriorated drastically.

"The chemicals mixed with the river water are the cause for the fish dying in the river in large numbers. It is unfortunate that the residents living on banks of the river are taking these fish and selling them in the market. This could lead to spread of diseases," said Deepak Kahre, a counselor.

Some of the fish that have died are really big in size, luring the residents more into taking and selling them.

"We have been seeing that numerous fish are dying, Some of them are really big, that could weigh two to two and half kilogram even," said Danish, a resident.

According to a Central Pollution Control Board report, around 70 per cent of the pollution in the Yamuna is human excrement.

A major pollutant of Yamuna is Delhi, which contributes 3,296 MLD (million litres per day) of sewage falling into the river. Only half of the sewage produced in Delhi is treated effectively.

Sewage discharge from Delhi and major towns like Mathura, Vrindavan and Agra has irreversibly altered its ecology. The river has been termed as incapable of supporting any aquatic life whatsoever.

Environmentalists have also been highlighting the damage caused to human health by allowing the discharged sewage to re-enter the human food chain via the agricultural produce watered by it in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

The Yamuna Action Plan started in 1993 with the aim of conserving the river has met with little success, despite billions being spent on it. By Brijesh Kumar Singh (ANI)