Fish kill along Phalguni: Locals, greens point fingers at pollution, coffer bund

Mangaluru: A fish kill was reported Saturday along the Phalguni river near Bengre, Sulthan Battery and Bokkapatna, locals said, days after environmental activists flagged pollution and demanded the removal of a temporary coffer bund built for a bridge between Tannirbhavi and Sultan Battery.

Locals have alleged that rising pollution levels, caused by the coffer bund obstructing water flow, led to fish deaths. Many residents have also complained of rashes and irritation upon contact with the water.

According to locals, a portion of the coffer bund was reportedly removed on Saturday.

Fisherman Satish Kotian told TOI that the fish were likely unable to breathe and said the blockage reduced water flow, leading to stagnation and pollution. He further alleged that there was chemical discharge into the river and added that contact with the water causes itching and rashes.

After part of the bund was removed and water flowed into the sea, pollutants spread across Bengre, Bokkapatna and Kudroli, leading to fish deaths in several areas. However, normal circulation may resume within two to three days.

Suresh Udupa of the National Environment Care Federation (NECF) said that sewage sludge may have got into the river. He opined that the fish deaths may have occurred due to the mixing of chemical-laden water and accumulated sludge once the flow was disturbed.

A senior official from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board said that samples have been collected and the results are awaited. Notices have been sent to the commissioner, Mangaluru City Corporation, and the MD of Mangaluru Smart City Limited. “We suspect that the first rain could have resulted in sewage contamination or saltwater intrusion,” the official said.