Four-member expert panel formed over mass fish kill in Kosasthalaiyar river, T.N. Environment Minister informs Assembly
PMK MLA A. Ganesh Kumar alleged that several industries had been functioning and discharging their effluents into the Kosasthalaiyar river, leading to its pollution.
Tamil Nadu's Environment Minister V.K. Rajeev announced the formation of a four-member expert committee on August 21, 2026, to investigate the mass fish kill in the Kosasthalaiyar river near the Ennore estuary. Responding to a Calling Attention Motion by AIADMK floor leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Rajeev denied claims that toxic industrial effluents had contaminated the river water, attributing the pollution to sewage from surrounding areas.
The expert committee was tasked with submitting a comprehensive report within ten days. Officials from the Fisheries Department and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) collected water and dead fish samples, which were sent to a laboratory for analysis. A total of 2,150 kilograms of dead fish were removed from the Ennore estuary.
AIADMK leader Palaniswami expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing its impact on the livelihoods of catamaran and fibreboat fishermen and demanding a thorough inspection by TNPCB officials. Former Environment Minister Thangam Thennarasu highlighted the ecologically sensitive nature of the Kosasthalaiyar-Ennore creek, calling for immediate action to prevent pollution.
PMK MLA A. Ganesh Kumar accused several industries of discharging effluents into the river, urging the government to implement permanent measures to prevent similar incidents.
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