Mystery Surrounds Fish Deaths in Yamuna: Delhi Police Launch Investigation
Investigation Launched into Fish Deaths
In New Delhi, authorities have filed a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the alleged death of numerous fish in the Yamuna River near Sonia Vihar, following reports of mischief and misinformation by unknown individuals. This action was taken after a complaint from the irrigation and flood control department of the Delhi government.
The FIR, lodged at Wazirabad police station, cites sections 353 (public mischief), 352 (insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 240 (providing false information) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
This incident gained attention after videos surfaced on social media, showing dead fish floating in the river, raising alarms about potential water pollution and the possibility of toxic substances being discharged into the Yamuna.
While the precise reason for the fish deaths has not been determined, the situation has sparked a political controversy. Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of deliberately dumping dead fish to tarnish the reputation of the BJP government and its initiatives to clean the river.
In response, the AAP dismissed these accusations, questioning the government's claims regarding the cleanliness of the Yamuna and calling for an investigation into the potential contamination of the river's water.
Additionally, the Delhi Jal Board has filed a complaint with the police, requesting an FIR against unidentified individuals who are allegedly spreading false information about chemical discharges into the river on social media.
Local residents have pointed fingers at effluent discharges from a tannery near the Hathnikund Barrage as a possible cause for the fish deaths.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another occurrence where hundreds of dead fish were discovered along the Yamuna riverbank in Burari, north Delhi.
Experts have previously indicated that sudden mass fish deaths could signify a significant rise in contaminants or the release of toxic materials into the water, urging for laboratory tests to ascertain the cause.
This situation arises just before Chhath Puja, a time when many devotees are expected to flock to the Yamuna ghats for prayers.