Srinagar, Mar 26 (KNO): The fisheries department in south Kashmir's Shopian district has urged people to avoid pouring poisonous substances into water resources, saying it poses a threat to fish and puts the livelihood of many people at stake.
"We are making a heartfelt appeal to each and every one of you to help in protecting our precious water resources. These water resources are not only a source of drinking water but they also support a rich ecosystem and provide habitat for various aquatic life, especially the fish fauna of District Shopian," reads the appeal from the Assistant Director of Fisheries, a copy of which lies with the news agency - Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
"However, the reckless disposal of waste and poisonous substances, especially various kinds of spray oil used in apple orchards, into these water resources is posing a significant threat to health and sustainability, including live fish stocks being reared by different private fish farmers in our district, thereby affecting the local economy and the livelihoods of the people of Shopian district, especially unemployed youth engaged in the fisheries sector," the department said.
As such, the respected citizens of District Shopian are requested to refrain from pouring any leftover poisonous substances, such as chemicals and pesticides used in apple orchards, into these freshwater resources, so that our water resources can remain safe and clean, it added. (KNO)