Panic in Cooch Behar as large number of dead fish found floating in river

Panic spread in parts of Cooch Behar on Friday after a large number of dead fish were found floating on the surface of the Panga River in the Kharija Berubari area of Manikganj. Several varieties of fish, including boal, air (aor) and baim, were seen floating in the water, with many already dead while others appeared half-dead.

As news of the incident spread, residents from nearby areas rushed to the river carrying nets and bags to collect the fish. Children, elderly people and women were seen gathering the fish from the water, leading to a crowd along the riverbank.

Environmentalists expressed serious concern over the unusual incident, stating that such a large number of fish dying at once is not a normal occurrence. According to them, there is suspicion that some anti-social elements might have poisoned the river during the night in an attempt to catch fish more easily.

However, some locals suggested that rainfall during the previous night may have washed pesticide and chemical-mixed water from nearby tea gardens into the river, causing the deaths of aquatic life. Experts have warned that consuming fish that die due to poison or chemical contamination can pose serious health risks and have urged the district administration to investigate the matter.