Kokrajhar (Assam), 31 October (H.S.): The Kokrajhar district administration has stepped up surveillance at local fish markets following reports of large-scale fish deaths in the Sankosh River after a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incident in Bhutan.

In view of the potential health risks to consumers, the administration has directed concerned departments to conduct immediate inspections of fish markets and prevent the sale of dead, stale, contaminated or otherwise unfit fish.

A meeting was convened on Saturday at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner's office under the chairmanship of Kokrajhar District Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty. Additional District Commissioners, Circle Officers and officials of concerned departments attended the meeting to review the situation arising after the floods in Bhutan and discuss precautionary measures.

During the meeting, officials expressed concern over the possibility of dead or contaminated fish from the Sankosh River entering local markets, particularly those in the Gossaigaon subdivision of Kokrajhar district.

The District Commissioner directed the concerned authorities to immediately inspect markets, maintain strict surveillance and take necessary steps to prevent the collection and sale of dead fish from the river.

Following the meeting, the Circle Officer of Kokrajhar, along with the Executive Officer (EO) and other officials, inspected local markets. Fish vendors were warned against selling dead or suspicious fish. Consumers were also made aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming such fish.

The district administration has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing or consuming dead, stale or fish obtained from suspicious sources. People have been advised to buy fresh food items only from reliable sources and immediately inform the concerned authorities if they notice suspicious fish being sold in markets.

Meanwhile, the water level of the Sankosh River is gradually receding, and no immediate threat of flash floods has been reported. However, the district administration continues to closely monitor the situation and remains prepared to deal with any eventuality.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash