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Sewage Overflow Triggers Mass Fish Deaths in Varuna River
1 Nov
Summary
- Hundreds of small fish found dead due to low dissolved oxygen levels
- Malfunctioning sewage interceptors caused untreated wastewater to flow into the river
- Lack of functional sewage treatment plant worsened pollution in the Varuna River
On November 1, 2025, a large number of small fish were discovered dead along the banks of the Varuna River, between the Old Bridge and Nakkhi Ghat. According to the regional pollution control officer, Rohit Singh, the incident was caused by critically low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the water.
Water samples collected from various points in the river and tested at the Regional Pollution Control Office laboratory revealed alarmingly low DO levels. The results showed readings of just 0.5 mg/L at Nakkhi Ghat, 0.5 mg/L downstream, and 0.4 mg/L near the Old Bridge, far below the healthy range of 6.5 to 8 mg/L.
Investigations further revealed that the interceptors installed on both banks of the Varuna River to collect and transport sewage from nearby drains were non-functional. As a result, untreated wastewater was overflowing directly into the river, severely compromising water quality and leading to the mass fish deaths.
The chief executive officer of the local fishermen development agency confirmed that a significant number of small fish, including beadfish, were found dead near the site. Garbage and untreated sewage were also observed floating in the water, turning it black. Authorities noted that the absence of a functional sewage treatment plant (STP) along the Varuna River has exacerbated the pollution problem.
To address the issue, officials have suggested spraying 20-25 tonnes of slaked lime over a one-kilometer stretch of the river from Nakkhi Ghat Bridge to restore oxygen levels and prevent further loss of aquatic life.
