Navi Mumbai: Hundreds of fish found dead in Uran creek

Chemical residue from the discharged water

In the Sonari village, located in Uran taluka, a severe environmental crisis has been causing the death of numerous fish species. This ongoing problem is attributed to the washing of hazardous chemical tankers in the area, which results in harmful chemicals draining directly into the local creek. The continuous discharge of toxic substances into the creek has led to frequent mass deaths of fish, severely affecting the marine life and biodiversity in the region. The chemicals in question are highly damaging, leading to the rapid deterioration of aquatic ecosystems.

Local activists, villagers and fishermen have raised the issue several times, complaining to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), fisheries department and local authorities, but no action has been taken to date. The death of hundreds of fish was reported on Saturday. Activists claim these incidents occur at regular intervals, indicating a persistent and unaddressed problem, due to a lack of effective regulatory measures.

Fish found dead in latest incident reported on Saturday

"Despite numerous complaints from the local community, the authorities concerned have largely ignored the issue. This inaction has exacerbated the problem, with no significant steps taken to mitigate the environmental damage or prevent future occurrences," said Nandakumar Waman Pawar, president of the Maharashtra Small Scale Traditional Fish Workers' Union, who had raised the issue.

Pawar claims that such incidents are directly affecting the local fishermen. "The traditional fishers of Uran taluka are bearing the brunt of this environmental crisis. The death of fish and destruction of marine habitats directly threaten their primary source of livelihood, leading to economic hardships and social distress," he said.

A chemical tanker being washed near the creek

According to Pawar, the tankers that come to the area for washing belong to two chemical companies located near the creek. "Firstly, the tanker mafia are responsible for this. The other issue is that many of the tankers are owned by local villagers who are ignoring the issue. Hence the issue is being neglected. But why are the authorities turning a blind eye to it? Also, this is the period when a lot of fish come to the shore for breeding and these chemical spillages will worsen the situation. But as usual, the authorities are silent on this critical issue," he said, adding that a huge amount of traditional fishing zones have already been lost due to various projects along the coast of Uran.

Hitesh Koli, chairman of Gavhan Koliwada (a society of fishermen), who had also raised concerns regarding the issue, said, "Immediate Intervention and urgent action is required from environmental and local authorities to halt the washing of chemical tankers in the creek. Regular monitoring to prevent the illegal discharge of hazardous chemicals is needed. The local authorities should initiate a comprehensive cleanup of the affected creek and implement measures to restore the damaged marine ecosystem. They should provide financial and logistical support to the traditional fishers impacted by these incidents. Also, the authorities should engage the local community in monitoring and reporting pollution incidents, and increase public awareness about the environmental and economic impacts of such activities."

Water used to wash the tanker being released into the creek

According to Koli, the pollution in Sonari village has caused significant environmental and economic damage. "It is imperative for the authorities to take decisive action to protect the marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of traditional fishers in Uran taluka," he added.

Satish Padwal, regional officer, MPCB Navi Mumbai, said, "After receiving complaints, a team of officials visited the site. We collected samples of water from the site and are verifying the facts. Till now we haven't found any chemical-related release into the creek. But as fish died in huge numbers we have complained to the police and the fisheries department who are investigating the matter further to ascertain what caused the fish to die."