Fish deaths in Byrnihat raises concern

SHILLONG: The death of variety of fishes in Byrnihat prompted the GSU on Saturday to seek the intervention of authorities. In a statement issued here, the GSU said that on Saturday from 15th mile Hograpara to Tandu at Assam side, all the aquatic species were found dead. The GSU Byrnihat Union president, Sanmun Marak alleged that the death of fishes was caused by the disposal of chemicals into the nearby Umtrew river. Marak said that the ignorant villagers, both from Meghalaya and Assam, netted the dead fishes and some were also sold in the market. “Byrnihat has a number of factories which produce dangerous chemicals and dispose them of directly into Umtrew river. This is a matter of concern as it affects both aquatic and human lives,” the GSU leader said. The GSU, while opposing the disposal of chemicals directly into the river, has asked the pollution control boards of both Meghalaya and Assam to carry out spot inspection.