Thousands of Dead Fish Raise Environmental Concerns in Palghar Creek

Thousands of dead fish were found floating and washed ashore along the Satpati-Murbe creek in Maharashtra's Palghar district , prompting an official investigation and reviving concerns over recurring pollution incidents in the region.

The fish mortality event was first noticed around 3 pm on Monday near Satpati Danda Pada village. Local fishermen reported unusually large quantities of dead fish along the creek banks and in their nets, suggesting that a substantial stretch of the waterbody had been affected. The dead fish included chhot boi, pofal, salpa , and other locally found species.

Authorities suspect extreme heat , which can significantly reduce dissolved oxygen levels in water, or polluted effluents from the nearby Tarapur Industrial Estate as possible causes of the incident. However, officials have emphasised that no conclusion has yet been reached and that laboratory tests will determine the exact cause.

Officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) have collected water and fish samples for analysis. Acting sub-regional officer Raju Wasave said similar incidents in the past had been linked either to toxic industrial waste entering creeks during rainfall or to oxygen depletion caused by prolonged periods of high temperatures.

The latest incident has heightened concerns among local fishing communities , many of whom depend on the creek for their livelihood. Residents have also expressed fears that decomposing fish could create foul odours and pose health risks if not removed quickly.

The fish kill is not considered an isolated event. Fishermen and environmental activists have repeatedly raised concerns about pollution in the Palghar-Tarapur coastal belt, alleging that industrial discharge has affected marine ecosystems over the years. The recurring nature of such incidents has strengthened demands for a comprehensive scientific assessment of the creek's water quality and ecological health.

No official test results have been released so far, and the investigation remains ongoing.