Hundreds of Tortoise Corpses found floating in a canal in East Midnapore District of West Bengal.
Tortoise carcasses discovered on Wednesday Morning
On Wednesday morning, in the Kanthi Municipality of East Midnapore District of West Bengal locals discovered the carcasses of hundreds of tortoises floating in the canal. Reports to the media, suggest that the release of contaminated water into the canal from rice mills was the main reason for the phenomenon.
On hearing the news, Kanthi Police Station, Forest Department, State and Veterinary Officials immediately rushed to investigate the unfortunate incident. They promised to take appropriate legal actions and duly investigate the case.
Words from the Officials and Residents
Nehal Ahmed, a BDO (Block Development Officer) stated that the initial investigations indicated that at least 100 to 150 tortoises had been found dead. To the surprise of the officials, no fish were found dead in that route of the canal. This has led to questions of foul play being involved to arise. Officials commented that if the accusations were proved true, proper action would be taken.
Local residents commented that the local biodiversity and ecosystem of Kanthi was slowly disappearing due to negligence. The rice mills discharged untreated and polluted wastewater into the canal that was destroying the environment. It led to eutrophication that caused an outburst of algal bloom which could possibly cause the death of the tortoises.
They added that the environment was destructed and it is their duty as locals to step in to save the environment. Residents of Devendra Gram Panchayat requested the forest officials and governing bodies to take proper action. According to their statements, nobody could survive if the environment was destroyed as their livelihoods and ecotourism highly depended on it.
An inquiry into this incident is expected to be initiated by the respected officials. More information and action on this event shall be announced soon.
