THENI: Following reports of fish deaths in the Vaigai dam reservoir, fisheries department officials carried out an inspection and said samples of water and dead fish had been sent for laboratory analysis, while police are yet to receive the test results to determine the cause.

The inspection was conducted by a team led by Soundara Pandian, assistant director of the fisheries department at the Vaigai dam, after fish were found dead in large numbers and washed ashore over the past few days, causing a foul smell. The issue was reported earlier in the Daily Thanthi.

Officials said that during the preliminary inspection, fish deaths in water bodies were found to be a phenomenon that can occur due to climatic changes. However, in view of strong public suspicion regarding water quality, samples of reservoir water and dead fish were collected and sent to the Fisheries University in Thoothukudi for detailed examination.

Officials have responded to reports after people using the Vaigai dam supply for drinking water purposes were sent into panic after reports of fish death and suspicion over contamination of water.

Officials said the test results are expected in a day or two, after which the exact cause of the fish deaths will be confirmed. They added that the situation-related tension in the area has temporarily eased.