Three industrial units on the outskirts of Hyderabad were sealed by the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) on charges of releasing chemical effluents into a lake and killing thousands of fish.
A few days ago, locals spotted the dead fish in the 200-acre Isnapur lake at Pashamylaram Industrial Development Area (IDA) on the city outskirts and complained to the TSPCB officials. They initiated an investigation into the issue and collected samples from the lake. Based on the initial findings, Chaitanya Chloride, Venkar Chemicals and Micro Molecules Pvt Ltd, located in the vicinity of the lake, were held responsible for polluting the lake and ordered to stop their operation.
“The fishermen of the area had informed us about the incident. We found out that the dissolved oxygen levels had decreased owing to which the fish had died,” said Bikshapathy, Environmental Engineer, Regional Office, TSPCB. “We have collected samples from the lake and also from the industries to find out which industries have been polluting the lake. Though action has been taken against three industries temporarily, we will only know if there are more industries resorting to such practices after the final report is out.”
There are 192 industries at the Pashamaylaram IDA and the lake was once known for being highly polluted. But locals say that the situation improved in the last couple of years because of which they released fish into the lake.
Fishermen affected
“Around 50 members of the local fishermen community lost close to ₹50 lakh due to pollution,” said Srikanth Gowd, ZPTC member of Patancheru. “Over the years, the pollution in the lake decreased. In the last season, the lake got completely dried up after which the fishermen approached the State government to start fish farming. A total of 2 lakh fish seeds were released into the lake by the fishermen which included the government’s supply.”
According to Mr. Reddy, a meeting was held between the fishermen and representatives of the industries two months ago. Only after the fishermen were assured that chemical effluents would not be let-out into the lake, they took up fish farming. The lake was clean even till a few weeks ago but the chemical waste was intentionally flown into the lake in the last few days, he alleged.
