KARACHI, Nov 20: Sindh Environmental Protection Agency will finalize an interim report about investigation into the small dead fish issue on Thursday.
Thousands of dead fish, believed to be hazardous, were thrown out of the sea and found at the beach four days backs. Initially, the authorities had warned the people against consumption of the fish as it might be poisonous. The fish were taken away by some people within 24 hours of their accumulation at the seaside.
SEPA sources said that in addition to its own investigations made so far, the agency had contacted some government organizations, including the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, NIO and KANUPP.
Samples of the fish, which were collected in the Sea View area on Saturday, were handed over to these agencies for analytical reports, the sources added and hoped that a scientific finding would be available by Thursday. It was also learnt that a reputed chemistry institute had denied to accept the samples for any test.
Meanwhile, SEPA has convened a meeting of different bodies concerned with the fish issue on Thursday, in which an interim report would be finalized for onward presentation. Final report could be given only when analytical reports from all the agencies are available and a consensus is developed.
However, on Wednesday, SEPA informed the federal government that the possibility of any radioactivity could not be confirmed. One government agency, dealing with nuclear developments, has also ruled out the possibility of any contaminative radiation in the sea, which could have caused casualty to such a huge number of small fish.
On the other hand, doctors and environment experts have urged the authorities to ensure that the fish should not be used for any purpose till the time investigations are finalized and recommendations made.
REPORT SOUGHT: Chief Secretary K.B. Rind has sought a detailed report on the issue, adds APP.
A statement said that there might be some effects of under-sea quake or some photogenic change might have taken place.
