Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Mar 10: Remains of a dead monitor lizard and dead fish are found in the Swarna river at the estuary opening at Gopalathota near Herga, Manipal.

The remains of these dead fish and lizard are inspected upto the new Shimbra bridge in a boat ride by local Herga residents Emida D'Souza, Baptist D'Almeida, Diana D'Almeida with the help of boatman Timma Poojary and steps have been taken to dispose off the remains of these fish and lizards.

At the upfront stream of the river, eagles and storks are seen feasting on more dead fish. The water of the river has turned salty.

Locals panicked because of this phenomenon as the fish that are found dead belong to only one kind, known as 'Irpe' in local Tulu language. It is usual for the river water to turn salty with the onset of summer. However, in this particular instance, the locals are not sure whether the water of the river has turned poisonous or some illegal fishing in the river is being carried out using explosives.

Social worker Ganeshraj Saralebettu and Congress leader Jaya Shetty Bannanje have requested the town municipality and district administration to take suitable action to unearth the mystery of this unusual occurrence.