An Environmental Engineer collecting samples at the Boyapadu beach in Anakapalli district to assess dissolved oxygen levels and other chemical analysis.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In a mysterious turn of events, residents of Boyapadu village in Anakapalli district witnessed tens of thousands of dead fish – primarily a local variety known as ‘Kara’ – washed ashore on a 1.5-km stretch of the village's coastline on Saturday evening, triggering concerns among the local fishing community. The Incident led the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to launch an investigation into the matter.Pointing out the recurring impact of industrial activity on coastal livelihoods, Arjili Dasu, Executive Director of the District Fishermen’s Youth Welfare Association and a prominent advocate for fisherfolk, questioned the lack of preventive measures.“The ocean is the lifeline for our community, yet we repeatedly witness such tragic sights,” Mr. Dasu said. “We demand a transparent inquiry. Authorities must look beyond immediate explanations and address the cumulative impact of industrial discharge on our marine ecosystem. If the marine environment is not protected, the very survival of the traditional fishing community is at stake.”Expert inquiry under wayFollowing an urgent meeting led by the Chairman of the APPCB, officials are working to determine the cause of death.
