Local fish farmers, particularly those involved in cage farming, reported significant losses amounting to several lakhs due to the mass fish deaths.
The dead fish were found in large numbers in fish farms across panchayats (Supplied)
Thousands of dead fish were found floating in the Periyar river, sparking protests from residents in Kochi on Wednesday, 22 May. They held illegal discharge of chemical waste from nearby factories responsible. Local fish farmers reported significant losses amounting to several lakhs due to the mass fish deaths in Varapuzha, Kadamakkudy, and Cheranalloor panchayats since Tuesday.