Large numbers of fish and aquatic life dying in gonapala canal

Massive quantities of fish and other aquatic creatures are dying in the canal flowing across the main bridge on Rose Garden Road in Olaboduwa, Gonapala, residents say.

This situation persisted for several weeks, resulting in a severe stench spreading throughout the area, which makes staying in nearby houses difficult.

Villagers explained that animals such as dogs and water monitors died after consuming the dead fish, while crows and hawks frequently drop fish remains across the neighbourhood, causing significant distress to public life.

An upstream sand yard where soil brought from outside is washed, and the wastewater discharged into the canal is the cause of these deaths, residents point out.

Villagers noted that the water turns red by morning, and a thick layer of mud from the washing process settled in the canal, making it impossible to step into the water and threatening future paddy cultivation.

One resident reported the death of two calves after they drank from the canal. Although complaints were made to the agricultural research assistant, the Kanannwila Agrarian Service Centre, and the Central Environmental Authority, a permanent solution has yet to be provided.

The sand yard is located in the Olaboduwa South division, and the issue remains a frequent topic at agricultural committee meetings, Horana Divisional Secretary K.D.S. Sajeevana stated.

While it is not yet technically confirmed if the fish are dying specifically due to the sand yard water, relevant agricultural officers conducted a site inspection.

The Central Environmental Authority has not issued a permit for the sand yard and has instructed the operators to temporarily suspend activities, the Divisional Secretary added.

-BBC