Four pythons found dead in Periyar river near Thadiyampadu in Idukki

Idukki: Four pythons were found dead in Periyar River below Madathumkavu Temple near Thadiyampadu in Idukki on Wednesday morning, triggering concern among local residents.Two pythons were found entangled in fishing nets while the other two were seen floating in water. The decomposed carcasses were found after residents noticed a foul smell on the riverbank and carried out a search.With the water level in Periyar receding, illegal fishing practices, including lacing poisonous chemicals in the river, are reportedly on the rise in the area. Forest officials are investigating whether the pythons died due to contaminated water, poisoning or after getting trapped in fishing nets. Dead fish were also found floating nearby.Forest officials reached the spot and carried out an inspection. Authorities said a detailed probe would be carried out to examine the water quality of the river and determine the exact cause of the pythons' deaths.A post-mortem examination of the carcasses will be held.The incident has sparked anxiety among residents living on Periyar riverbanks. Ayyappankovil forest range officer K V Ratheesh said that a comprehensive investigation was under way to ascertain the cause of the deaths and assess the quality of water in the river.