punjab

Updated: May 22, 2018 23:00 IST

Experts from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, have concluded that there was “no major contamination in fish, water and sediment sample with respect to microbiological and pesticide residues was detected” after the spill of molasses into the river Beas from a sugar mill in Gurdaspur.

Samples were collected by the state fisheries department on May 17 after fish were found dead; and handed over to scientists at Gadvasu. On Tuesday, the university sent the report to the district administration. “It was apprehended by some people that there could be poisonous substance in the spill, but nothing like that was detected in the examination”, said Amritsar deputy commissioner Kamaldeep Singh Sangha.

“Acidic pH, low dissolved oxygen, high biological oxygen demand (BOD), ammonical nitrogen along with increased levels of nitrate nitrogen and phosphorous could be the possible reasons of mass mortality of fish,” reads the report, adding, “Infection or disease does not appear to be a cause behind fish mortality.” No pathological signs and bacteria were found in the fish.

The report also suggest remedial measures: Dilution of the affected river stretch with freshwater; removal of dead fish at the earliest to avoid further damage to river ecology; and regular monitoring of the affected river, and if possible every 10-15 km downstream.