TV
In a disturbing incident, quintals of dead fish were found floating in two ponds at Gopali village under the Jagdalpur Panchayat in Bhadrak district, spreading a foul stench throughout the area over the past two days.
The unbearable smell has reportedly made it difficult for villagers to even step outside their homes.
As per reports, the two affected water bodies, Kacheri and Gandua ponds, are widely used by the villagers for their daily needs.
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One Shankarshan Nayak from the village had taken the ponds on lease for fish farming. However, on Thursday night, the villagers reportedly witnessed some unknown individuals near the ponds appearing to be mixing substances into the water.
Villagers shocked
Soon after, on Friday morning, the villagers were shocked to find large quantities of dead fish floating on the surface of both ponds. The incident has sparked outrage, with residents suspecting foul play possibly linked to political rivalry.
Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the fish deaths, but the villagers have demanded an immediate investigation into what they believe to be an act of deliberate sabotage.
"Some unknown individuals poisoned the water of the ponds on Thursday night, and as a result, large quantities of dead fish are floating on the water. The stinking smell of the dead fish is unbearable for the villagers. We are dependent on the water bodies for our daily chores. We are afraid that our village may be affected by contagious diseases. We have informed about the incident to the local police," said a villager.
