Kochi: Fish perished in large numbers in the Periyar river and private farms in the area due to pollution triggering a protest against the government in the region on Wednesday, media reports said.
Farmers and political parties protested against the Pollution Control Board (PCB).
The protesters clashed with police.
The people prevented the chief engineer from entering his office.
Farms in Edayar, Eloor, Varappuzha, Kothad, Kadamakudy, Cheranalloor and Kottuvally were affected.
The protestors alleged that effluents released by numerous industrial units along the banks of the river led to the problem.
The PCB has blamed the Irrigation Department for releasing water through the Pathalam regulator bringing down oxygen levels in the river.
The PCB will test the samples at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Oceanic Studies to find the reason.
District Collector NSK Umesh has ordered the PCB to conduct an emergency inquiry into the incident. A committee has been set up to probe into the incident and submit its report to the in a week to the collector.
Fish perish in mass in Periyar
