Kupwara, Sept 23: Two families in Chek Lawoosa area of Mawar in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have suffered losses running into lakhs of rupees after thousands of fish died at their separate fish farms.
According to the affected families, the fish died after the fresh water supply to the farms was allegedly disrupted. They have alleged that miscreants blocked or diverted the water supply, affecting the flow of fresh water into the fish ponds.
One of the fish farms is owned by Sajad Ahmad, who established the farm in 2022 with assistance from the Fisheries Department. Another farm belongs to Altaf Ahmad Malla, who also established his unit during the same year.
The families said the fish farming initiative was started with the hope of creating a sustainable source of livelihood, particularly for educated unemployed youth in their households.
Sajad Ahmad said the farm was established to support his family and provide livelihood opportunities to his two educated unemployed brothers.
“We built this farm hoping it would become a livelihood for our family. The death of thousands of fish has caused losses worth lakhs. We believe the water supply was deliberately diverted. We want a fair probe, strict action against those responsible and support from the authorities,” he said.
The mother of Altaf Ahmad Malla said the family is solely dependent on the fish farm for its livelihood. She alleged that the drainage supplying water to the farm was blocked, disrupting the flow of fresh water into the pond.
She said the disruption allegedly resulted in the death of thousands of fish and caused substantial financial losses to the family.
The affected families said the fish farms were an important source of income and had been developed after considerable effort and investment.
Following the incident, police have reportedly registered an FIR and initiated an investigation. The investigation is expected to ascertain the exact cause of the fish deaths and whether the water supply was deliberately blocked or diverted.
The families have urged the police to identify those responsible and take action under law. They have also appealed to the Fisheries Department and the district administration to assess the losses and provide necessary assistance to the affected families.
Comment List