Paradip: Water bodies located in and around the port town have turned into graveyard for aquatic species, mainly fish, allegedly due to unrestricted release of industrial effluents.

Reports of fish and aquatic species dying along the water bodies and creeks have been pouring in from all parts of the town and its surroundings.

All the polluted water bodies and creeks owe their connectivity to the Mahanadi river system.

Bata rivulet near Balijhari slum settlement is particularly in dire straits.

"Motionless bodies of thousands of fish were spotted floating on the river mouth recently, triggering panic among local inland and sea-going fishermen," said environment activist Ayashkant Ray. Stench emanating from the water bodies due to presence of the dead species makes living unbearable for the local residents.

A local fisherman said that they had repeatedly asked the administration to address the issue of water pollution, but all fell on deaf ears.

"The hazardous level of water pollution is disastrous for us as our livelihoods depend on fishing," said the fisherman.

Regional officer of Odisha State Pollution Control Board Mukesh Mahaling said they would send water samples of Bata rivulet to laboratory to ascertain the exact cause of fish death.

"It is too early to conclude that the death is caused by pollution," he added.