In a suspected case of contamination caused by illegal releasing of sewage, large number of fish were found dead in Sulur lake in Coimbatore on Saturday.
According to fishermen, around five tonnes of fish was found washed up on the banks of the lake. The fish kill was noticed by fishermen on Saturday morning. Majority of the fish washed up had ruptured stomach. With dead fish floated in water, fishermen removed them from the lake to avoid further contamination caused by the ones that started to decay.
According to sources in Sulur, fishermen depending on the lake has been complaining of water contamination caused by illegal release of sewage, toilet waste and poisonous substance into the waterbody. Also, mass killing of fish were reported in the lake several times.
“Fishes are found with ruptured stomach when they are old or died of contamination caused by poisonous substances,” said a source.
Apart from varieties of freshwater fish, the 60-odd acre lake and its surroundings form a perfect habitat for native and migratory birds.
Unlike several other lakes in Coimbatore, a cooperative society of fishermen are given the right for fishing in Sulur lake.
Fishermen, who lamented the killing of large quantity of fish, sought authorities to take measures to prevent contamination of the waterbody and protect their livelihood.
