Navi Mumbai: A large number of fish were found dead in the holding pond at the Mini Seashore in Vashi, triggering concern among local residents and environmentalists. Civic officials have collected water samples for analysis and begun supplying fresh water into the pond as an immediate measure.
Former corporator Raju Shinde raised the issue with Vashi ward officer Sukhdev Yedve, following which the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) initiated a preliminary inquiry. The incident has sparked fears of possible pollution in the area.
“Water samples from the pond have been collected and sent for testing. As a precautionary step, fresh water is being released into the pond. The engineering department will also inspect and undertake cleaning of the pond,” said Yedve.
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Shinde, along with joggers and environmentalists frequenting the area, alleged that the deaths may have been caused by the discharge of toxic chemicals from nearby industries in the MIDC belt. “This is a serious environmental concern. There is a strong possibility that untreated industrial effluents are entering the water body, leading to the death of fish. Authorities must conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action,” Shinde said. He further emphasised that the foul smell in the area has become unbearable, attributing it to suspected toxic chemical discharge, and noted that the odour problem has persisted for a long time.
However, Yedve suggested that natural factors could also be responsible. “It could be due to excessive heat, which may have led to reduced water levels and lower oxygen content in the pond, causing fish deaths,” he added.
Locals from Juhu village in Vashi, who often catch fish from the pond, said the sudden mass death has raised alarm among the community. The civic body has assured that further action will be taken based on the test results, while the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.
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