On Sunday, 25 camels die after consuming polluted water in Vagura taluka of Bharuch district, Gujrat.
In a devastating incident in Kacchipura village, Gujarat, 25 camels have died after consuming contaminated water from a pond. The water is believed to have been polluted due to a pipeline leakage carrying crude oil in the area.
Villagers were facing drinking Watercrisis
Kacchipura, housing around 250 individuals and 60 households, has been grappling with a severe drinking water crisis.
The villagers had been relying on water tankers from private suppliers, but the supply had ceased for the past two months. In an effort to provide respite from the scorching heat, the villagers decided to take their camels to Chanchvel lake, located 5 kilometers away.
but, the camels started dying upon reaching a water body along the way. The village has suffered a loss of 30 camels, with efforts underway to treat and save the remaining ones.
The village, home to the Maldhari community of cattle herders, has been facing a drinking water crisis for the past two months. The camels held great importance in their lives and played a key role in supporting their livelihoods.
The villagers have repeatedly appealed to the government for an adequate supply of drinking water, but their pleas have gone unanswered.
Authorities discovered a dark-colored liquid accumulated on the farm, leading to speculations of a potential oil pipeline leak. A group of 77 camels had been brought to Chanchvel village from Kachhipura for grazing. Unfortunately, some of the camels drank from a puddle on the farm and died on the spot, according to Rehman Kachhi, the owner.
Prompt action was taken by the district administration to treat the remaining 47 camels, who are now in stable condition. However, five camels are still unaccounted for.
Investigation
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the precise cause of the contamination and hold those responsible accountable.
A team from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board arrived at the scene to conduct a inquiry. Despite their efforts, no nearby chemical industry has been identified as a potential source of the contamination.
Samples have been collected from the area where the camel bodies were found, and post-mortem reports are expected to provide clarity on the cause of death.
Dr. Harsh Goswami, a government veterinarian in Bharuch, confirmed the deaths of the 25 camels, although the exact cause of their death remains uncertain. The investigation is still ongoing, and further updates are eagerly awaited.
Concerned locals submitted a memorandum to the Bharuch district collector, urging a thorough investigation into the incident and requesting adequate water provisions for the camels.
The incident has raised concerns among the local community and highlighted the importance of safeguarding water sources to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
It also highlights the critical importance of robust measures to ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water, as well as the need for swift action in response to such crises to prevent further loss of life and livelihoods.
