Ganderbal, Jan 22: The alleged use of bleaching powder for illegal fishing in Nallah Sindh has raised serious concerns among residents and environmentalists, who say the practice is causing extensive damage to aquatic life, particularly trout, in the water body.
Locals claim that in recent years, several incidents have been reported across different areas of Ganderbal district where miscreants used bleaching powder to kill fish. The practice is reportedly prevalent along the Wayil–Sonamarg stretch of Nallah Sindh, a natural habitat for trout and other fish species.
Bleaching powder, chemically known as calcium hypochlorite, is commonly used for water treatment and as a bleaching agent. Health experts warn that consuming fish killed using this chemical can be harmful, as residues may enter the human body and cause health complications.
Calling the situation “very unfortunate,” local resident Raja Parvaiz said such activities have been ongoing for years, despite efforts by the Fisheries Department. “After nearly a decade, the department introduced new fish seed imported from Denmark, but these efforts are now going to waste. Using bleaching powder in a flowing river is unlawful as it destroys aquatic life on a large scale. The government must take strict action,” he said.
Residents further alleged that the use of chemicals has severely damaged the ecology of Nallah Sindh. In a recent incident, several dead fish were reportedly found near Prang, Wussan, and the Chinner area of Kangan.
“People are openly using bleaching powder, which is proving disastrous for water bodies. Fish production in Nallah Sindh has declined alarmingly due to excessive chemical use,” another local said. Others pointed out that reduced water flow has made it easier for miscreants to resort to such practices, while the Fisheries Department remains largely absent on the ground.
Locals also expressed concern over the availability of bleaching powder, noting that it is mostly used by the PHE Department. “It is surprising how these miscreants are managing to procure the chemical. By polluting the water, they are endangering the lives of humans and animals alike,” a resident added.
However, Assistant Director Fisheries, Ganderbal, Muneer Ahmad, denied that fish deaths were caused by bleaching powder. “This incident is not due to bleaching powder but because of dryness in Nallah Sindh. We have taken samples, and so far nothing has been confirmed,” he said. He assured that field staff have been directed to curb any illegal fishing practices. “Anyone found involved will be dealt with strictly under the law,” he added.
Wahid Bhat, an environment journalist who tracks extreme weather events, said attributed the fish deaths to environmental factors. “As cold-water species, trout are particularly sensitive to low Dissolved oxygen levels, especially at higher temperatures where oxygen availability decreases. Oxygen concentration has been identified as the critical factor for the survival of trout from spawning to hatching 111 Inadequate DO levels can lead to stress, reduced feeding and growth, greater disease risk, and, mortality in extreme cases. Sudden or large fluctuations in DO can cause asphyxiation of embryos and larvae of trout[ 12l. Both species tolerate DO concentrations between 5.8 and 9 mg/L, but optimal growth and survival occur within the 7 to 9 mg/L range. DO levels below 5 mg/L are considered harmful for trout, potentially causing physiological stress, reduced immunity, and increased risk to mortality.
The issue has once again highlighted the fragile condition of Kashmir’s water bodies and the urgent need for coordinated action to protect their ecology
