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Delhi Drain Chokes With Thousands of Dead Fish
22 Apr
Summary
- Thousands of dead fish appeared in Delhi's Najafgarh drain over at least five days.
- Villagers reported darker, murkier water and a strong stench, suspecting industrial effluents.
- Najafgarh drain contributes significantly to Yamuna River's wastewater discharge.
Thousands of dead fish have been observed floating in Delhi's Najafgarh drain for at least the past five days. Residents near Rawta village reported the drain's water has become unusually dark and murky, emitting a strong odor. This marks a recurrence of such incidents, with a similar event documented in July 2022.
Locals suspect industrial effluents from Haryana are responsible for the mass mortality. Experts attribute the fish deaths to a sharp dip in dissolved oxygen levels, a common issue exacerbated by rising temperatures and increased pollutant concentration during warmer months. In March, a Delhi Pollution Control Committee analysis revealed high biological oxygen demand in the Najafgarh drain, twice the safe limit.
Data from January 2023 indicated that the Najafgarh drain accounts for a significant portion, 68.71%, of wastewater discharged into the Yamuna River. Other drains like Shahdara and Barapullah also contribute, but to a lesser extent. Previous inquiries in July 2022 suggested heavy rainfall stirred up toxic sediments, reducing oxygen and harming aquatic life.
