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Fish Die-Off: Expert Panel Probes Kosasthalaiyar River Pollution
21 Aug
Summary
- An expert committee will investigate the mass fish death in Kosasthalaiyar river.
- Officials collected water and fish samples for laboratory analysis.
- Sewage, not industrial effluents, is suspected as the cause of pollution.
A significant mass death of fish has occurred in the Kosasthalaiyar river near the Ennore estuary, prompting the formation of a four-member expert committee. Tamil Nadu's Minister for Environment and Climate Change, V.K. Rajeev, announced on August 21, 2026, that the committee will investigate the incident and submit a detailed report within 10 days.
Minister Rajeev stated that initial assessments suggest sewage from nearby areas, rather than toxic industrial effluents, is the cause of the pollution. Officials from the Fisheries Department and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board have collected water and dead fish samples for laboratory analysis. A total of 2,150 kg of dead fish have been removed from the Ennore estuary.
The issue was raised in the Assembly, with opposition leaders demanding proper inspection and permanent measures to prevent future incidents. Concerns have been voiced about the impact on the livelihoods of local fishermen who depend on the river. Environmental activists have highlighted the ecological sensitivity of the Kosasthalaiyar-Ennore creek area, emphasizing the need for urgent action to curb pollution.
