The sight of hundreds of dead fish floating in the Nanjai Uthukuli canal has shocked the residents in Muthampalayam and Kasipalayam areas.
The dead fishes were found floating after water was released from the Perumpallam Anicut after a lengthy duration spanning more than a year. When it rained during the last monsoons, the run-off water drained into the Perumpallam canal and the Nanjai Uthukulli Lake. But, subsequently, the surface of the anaicut was enveloped by hyacinth. The water weed had caused depletion in the oxygen level resulting in the death of the fishes. Since the hyacinth was covering the surface, the dead fishes inside the water could not be noticed, official sources said. When the anaicut was emptied for dredging last week, the water along with dead fishes was drained into the Nanjai Uthukuli canal.
The Public Works Department has conveyed to the Government the need for regular financial allotments specifically for removal of hyacinth from water bodies.
The water along with dead fishes was drained into the Nanjai Uthukuli canal