Massive Fish Kill in Phalguni River Triggers Outrage Near Mangaluru

Massive Fish Kill in Phalguni River Triggers Outrage Near Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 8, 2026: A massive fish kill in the polluted Phalguni river at Malavoor-Kenjar on the outskirts of Mangaluru has triggered public outrage, with residents blaming industrial waste discharge and civic negligence for the environmental crisis.

Dead fish were found floating across several stretches of the river, which locals said had recently turned black due to severe contamination. Residents alleged that untreated toxic waste from nearby industries has been polluting the river for years, affecting aquatic life and contaminating household wells.

“Even the water in our wells has become polluted. Nobody is listening to our problems,” said local resident.

The pollution issue has reportedly affected several water sources under the Bajpe gram panchayat limits. Frustrated by continued inaction, the panchayat has warned of public protests if immediate corrective steps are not taken.

Following the incident, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Deputy Environmental Officer Dr. Maheshwari Singh visited the spot and conducted an inspection. Officials suspect untreated wastewater from the Pachanady sewage treatment plant (STP) may have been discharged into the river.

Water samples from the river and nearby wells have been collected for laboratory analysis to determine the exact cause of contamination.

The incident has once again raised concerns over environmental degradation and unchecked pollution in the Phalguni river region.