Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (MS)

Puttur, Apr 16: Thousands of fish have been discovered dead and floating in a public pond within the jurisdiction of the Uppinangady gram panchayat, a casualty of the intense heat.

The pond, nearly dried up, is located in Keremoole of Mata Safanagara and has historically served as a water source for animals and birds even during the scorching summer months. However, the depletion of spring water due to nearby farmers drilling borewells has significantly contributed to its current state of desiccation. Moreover, the neglect of proper maintenance has resulted in the disrepair of the pond's surrounding wall, with accumulated silt exacerbating the issue.

A decade ago, a retaining wall was erected through a grant of Rs 25 lac allocated by the then MLA for the enhancement of all ponds in the state. Additionally, silt removal efforts were undertaken at a cost of Rs 25 lac under the Mahatma Gandhi Udyog Khatri scheme, restoring the pond to its former state of cleanliness.

Eight months ago, local resident Abdul Rahiman invested a substantial amount of money to begin fish farming in the pond, hoping to capitalize on its potential. However, the current state of the pond, devoid of water and littered with deceased fish, has resulted in significant financial losses for Rahiman.