Moradabad, Oct. 16 : Discharge of effluents from factories or mills into Ramganga River of Uttar Pradesh has endangered the lives of fishes here. A large number of fishes have died and thus their population in the river has been badly affected.

Ramganga River, a tributary of the Ganges, which forms the eastern boundary of the Moradabad district, shows high pollution level.

The pollution, which has existed here for many years now, has poisoned the water. It happened due to discharge of chemicals and polluted water from the sugar and paper mills in it.

"Factories and mills release polluted water and waste materials in the river. Hence all the animals that are drinking the contaminated water as well as the fishes swimming in it are dying. Authorities have not taken any necessary actions against it yet," said Mohammad Niyaar Mian, a social activist.

Thousands of dead fish, as per local fishermen, can be noticed floating in the river. Fishermen are also faced with a tough time to earn their livelihood.

"Almost 20,000 to 50,000 fish die everyday. A majority of fish die due to the release of polluted water from the mills. We are losing our means of livelihood," said Jaipal, a fisherman.

Local fishermen rue the fact that despite their complaints no one from the administration has paid any attention as yet. But as per the instructions of Central Pollution control Board (CPCB) 17 industries have installed effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to control pollution of Ramganga River.

The CPCB and the concerned State Pollution Control Boards monitors pollution from industries on the banks of river. (ANI)