Ramsagar Pond Fish Suspected of Contamination; Fishermen Warned Against Consumption
Bhagabat Padhi,Odishabarta
Concerns Over Water Pollution as Hundreds of Fish Die
Authorities Order Soil and Water Testing
PARALAKHEMUNDI, Sept. 16:Ramsagar Pond, once an important source of irrigation and fisheries in Paralakhemundi, has come under scrutiny following reports of fish deaths and concerns over possible water contamination.
The pond, which historically supported both agricultural activities and fish culture, is now facing a serious threat to its aquatic resources. Local residents have reported the death of a large number of fish, with some weighing between 1 kg and 5 kg. The condition of the dead fish has raised concerns among fishermen and residents over whether the water or fish may have been contaminated.
The development has caused anxiety among fishermen who depend on the pond for their livelihood. Local people have urged the authorities to determine the exact cause of the fish deaths and take immediate steps to prevent further losses.
Paralakhemundi MLA Er. Rupesh Kumar Panigrahi recently visited Ramsagar Pond and interacted with local residents and elected representatives to assess the situation. He also discussed the matter with Gajapati District Fisheries Officer (DFO) Arun Kumar Sahu and sought immediate action to ascertain whether chemical contamination or water pollution was responsible for the fish deaths.
The DFO reportedly informed the MLA and local representatives that a fisheries team would visit the site and collect samples of the pond water and soil for scientific testing. Faculty members from the Fisheries branch of Centurion University are also expected to extend technical support for the examination.
As a precautionary measure, people have been advised not to catch, collect or consume fish from the affected pond until the test results establish whether the fish are safe. The Fisheries Department also plans to install a warning signboard at the site to alert the public.
The incident has raised broader concerns because Ramsagar Pond serves not only fisheries activities but also irrigation needs. The affected area reportedly extends across nearly 100 hectares. If contamination of the water or surrounding soil is confirmed, authorities may need to assess whether agricultural activities downstream or nearby could also be affected.
For generations, the region’s ponds have played an important role in supporting irrigation, agriculture and fisheries.
The present situation at Ramsagar has therefore highlighted the need for immediate scientific investigation, environmental monitoring and preventive measures to protect both livelihoods and agricultural resources.
