A large number of fish were found dead in the drinking water reservoir of Panjawa Mandal village, about 27 km from Abohar. The incident has created an atmosphere of fear and outrage among the villagers. Residents argue that had this water been supplied to the village, it could have led to a major tragedy, potentially exposing people to severe illnesses.
Villagers said that they spotted a massive number of dead fish in the water reservoir situated alongside the Daulatpura Canal, which runs through the outskirts of Panjawa village. A strong, foul odour was emanating from the reservoir. Within moments, villagers gathered at the site, and the matter was immediately reported to the administration.
They explained that the reservoir served as the primary source for the village’s drinking water supply. Consequently, the sudden death of the fish could indicate the presence of toxic or contaminated substances in the water. Had this issue not come to light in time, hundreds of villagers could have consumed this water, potentially triggering a major public health crisis.
The villagers also pointed out that complaints regarding the flow of black and contaminated water into the canals had surfaced in the past, yet no concrete measures had been taken to address the issue. The residents demanded an impartial inquiry into the matter and called for strict action against those responsible, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ravinder Singh Arora said that the administration had swung into action immediately upon learning about the incident. He informed that a three-member committee has been constituted, and orders for an investigation had been issued. Water samples had been collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The actual cause behind the death of the fish will only be revealed once the lab report is received, he said.
The SDM added that, as a precautionary measure, the water supply to the village from the affected reservoir had been temporarily suspended. Additionally, instructions have been issued to the departments concerned to step up surveillance and ensure the availability of safe drinking water to public.
