Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 4 

Reports of mass fish mortality at a spring in south Kashmir have triggered concern among residents and prompted a response from authorities, who suspect a fungal infection as the likely cause.

The incident was reported in the Zainapora area of Shopian, where locals observed large numbers of dead fish floating on the surface of the Vernag spring over the past several days.

Residents said the deaths have raised alarm, particularly as local water bodies are used for livelihoods and domestic needs.

Former Member of Legislative Assembly Aijaz Mir described the scale of the incident as concerning and called for swift action to determine the cause and prevent further damage.

Fisheries Department officials said preliminary assessments indicate a fungal infection may be responsible. 

They said that treatment measures, including the use of potassium permanganate, have been initiated while samples have been collected for further analysis.

Experts said such incidents are often linked to declining water quality, with contributing factors including agricultural runoff and pesticide residues that can reduce oxygen levels and increase vulnerability to disease.

While fungal infection appears to be a key factor in this case, officials said further testing is underway to rule out other causes.

Residents have urged authorities to conduct a detailed investigation and introduce long-term safeguards, including stricter monitoring of water bodies and better regulation of agricultural discharge, to prevent similar incidents in the future.