Guwahati’s iconic water bodies, including Jorpukhuri and Dighalipukhuri, have recently shown alarming levels of pollution, raising serious concerns for aquatic life.
A team led by Kamrup Metropolitan District Fishery Officer Bipul Khataniar tested water samples from Jorpukhuri and found the pH level at 10 mg per liter, far above the normal range of 6.9–7.5 mg. The pond water has also turned greenish, with increased salinity, posing a grave threat to fish, turtles, and other aquatic organisms.
Similarly, Dighalipukhuri has witnessed mass fish deaths for nearly a month, with species like rohu, bhokua, silver carp, common carp, and biket floating lifeless due to reduced oxygen levels. The dissolved oxygen was found to be only 4–8 mg per liter, compared to the normal 7–10 mg. The presence of toxic substances was confirmed in tests conducted on August 15 and again on August 27.
The foul smell from decaying fish has spread across the pond’s surroundings, highlighting the urgency of immediate intervention. While the Fishery Department manages Dighalipukhuri, its surroundings are overseen by the Tourism Department. Officials’ negligence has now led to severe contamination of these heritage ponds.
Authorities are expected to take swift measures to purify the water and restore ecological balance before irreversible damage occurs.
