NOTHING POISONOUS IN THE CONTAMINATION: GADVASU

AMRITSAR: Experts from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, have concluded that there was “no major contamination in fish, water and sediment sample with respect to microbiological and pesticide residues was detected” after the spill of molasses into the river Beas from a sugar mill in Gurdaspur.

Samples were collected by the state fisheries department on May 17, and handed over to Gadvasu scientists. On Tuesday, the university sent the report to the district administration. “It was apprehended by some people that there could be poisonous substance in the spill, but nothing like that was detected,” said Amritsar deputy commissioner Kamaldeep Singh Sangha.

“Acidic pH, low dissolved oxygen, high biological oxygen demand (BOD), ammonical nitrogen along with increased levels of nitrate nitrogen and phosphorous could be the possible reasons of mass mortality of fish,” reads the report, adding, “Infection or disease does not appear to be a cause behind fish mortality.” No pathological signs and bacteria were found in the fish.

The report also suggest remedial measures, such as adding more water for dilution of the flow, removal of dead fish at the earliest; and regular monitoring, if possible every 10-15 km.

Meanwhile, as the contamination affected Rajasthan and Sirhind Feeder canals too, state authorities collected samples of their water from villages in Muktsar and Fazilka districts on Tuesday.