Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, May 31: In a shocking incident, thousands of fishes have been found dead in the Bargula vented dam area, a designated protected zone near the renowned Shishileshwara temple, popularly known as Matsyatirtha.

The distressing sight of dead fishes floating in the water and washed ashore came to light recently. It is strongly suspected that a massive number of aquatic creatures, including smaller fishes, perished due to the release of toxic chemicals. The discovery of a copper sulphate packet nearby has further strengthened these suspicions. Locals believe the miscreants carried out this act on Friday night.

A strictly protected zone

A radius of approximately two kilometres surrounding the Matsyatirtha of the Shishileshwara temple is strictly maintained as a fish conservation zone, where all forms of fishing are explicitly banned. Given the religious and environmental significance of the area, the fishes here are accorded special protection. Public outrage is now mounting against the unidentified miscreants who flouted both legal and environmental norms to kill the fishes using poison.

Demands for strict action

The public has strongly urged the concerned departments to immediately inspect the spot, collect water samples for scientific investigation, and take stringent legal action against the culprits.

B Jayarama Nellithaya, district Dharma Prasara Pramukh from Shishila, warned that the Muzrai department and the fisheries department must not act irresponsibly regarding the protection of the sacred fishes. He emphasized the need for continuous awareness programmes, including the distribution of pamphlets, installation of warning signboards, and meetings with devotees. He cautioned that failing to take these preventive measures will inevitably force Hindu organizations to launch severe protests in the coming days.