Thousands of fish have died in the popular tourist and pilgrim destination of Rewalsar here, triggering panic amongst the residents.
It is an irony that the centuries old Rewalsar lake, a world famous pilgrimage tourism spot and confluence of three famous religions – Hinduism, Sikhism and Budhism – has brought a bad name to Mandi district, which recently got the distinction of being selected as the cleanest district among the 22 hill States of the country.
At present the insanitary conditions and water pollution in this tiny settlement comprising mostly Tibetan refugees and others have assumed alarming proportions.
Budhists pilgrims converging Rewalsar from all parts of globe are carrying back home bad memories, which is a big setback to the Indian tourism.
According to official estimates over 20 tonnes of fish perished in the polluted water of the lake. The administration has succeeded in rescuing about 5,000 fish from the lake. The polluted water is being pumped out and replaced b y fresh water to provide adequate oxygen to the dying fish.
It is feared that some epidemic can break out in Rewalsar if immediate measures are not taken.
Meanwhile, taking a cognizance of the unfortunate incident of death of thousands of fishes in Rewalsar lake, Himachal Government has constituted a committee to examine the issue of possible adverse effects on the natural aquifer and assess the chances of possible contamination of water.
The committee will be headed by Divisional Forest Officer, Mandi and Environment Engineer, HPSPCB, Bilaspur, Assistant Director, Fisheries, Mandi will be is members while Kamraja Kaisth, Principal Scientific Officer-I, State Council for Science, Technology and Environment as its Member Secretary.
Additional Chief Secretary Environment, Science and Technology Tarun Kapoor said the committee will assess the whole situation in detail pinpoint reasons for fish mortality and suggest remedial measures and will submit its report to the Government within seven days.