Reckless waste disposal, poisonous substances threaten aquatic life in water bodies
Fisheries department urges the public to avoid harmful practices
Pulwama: The indiscriminate disposal of waste and the introduction of poisonous substances into water bodies are posing severe threats to aquatic life, particularly fish populations, in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts.
These harmful practices are leading to habitat degradation, chemical contamination, and a decline in aquatic biodiversity, officials said.
Officials from the Fisheries Department have raised concerns about the improper disposal of chemicals, which have devastating effects on marine ecosystems.
Contaminants entering the water can kill fish directly, disrupt aquatic food chains, and harm seabirds and other wildlife that rely on these ecosystems.
Another pressing issue is the reckless disposal of solid waste near water sources. Studies have shown that waste, particularly near rivers, leads to the accumulation of heavy metals and other pollutants. This not only endangers aquatic organisms but also affects the quality of drinking water, posing health risks to humans, the official’s added.
Authorities have particularly highlighted the harmful impact of spray oils used in apple orchards, which seep into water bodies and contaminate them. The unchecked use of such chemicals threatens public health, fish populations, and the livelihoods of private fish farmers, many of whom are unemployed youth relying on the fisheries sector, they said.
Given the rising environmental concerns, the Fisheries Department has urged the local population to adopt responsible waste disposal methods and refrain from dumping pesticides, chemicals, and solid waste into freshwater resources.
“These water bodies are not just vital for aquatic life but also serve as primary sources of drinking water. Keeping them free from contamination is crucial for both ecological balance and economic sustainability,” an official stated.
Meanwhile, the local environmentalists and fish farmers have welcomed the Fisheries Department’s appeal, calling for stricter regulations to prevent water pollution. Residents have also been encouraged to adopt eco-friendly disposal practices to safeguard water resources for future generations.
Authorities stress that preserving clean water bodies will not only sustain aquatic life but also ensure the long-term viability of fisheries, which form a crucial part of the local economy.
