District/Bureau Office Report-Ramashish Tiwari (Gorakhpur)
Khajni, Gorakhpur. On Saturday, in Satuabhar village of Khajni area, the villagers became shocked and emotional when a large number of fish were suddenly found dead in the divine pond, considered to be the center of faith of the village. As soon as the news of the death of fish in the pond spread, a crowd of villagers gathered at the spot. Within no time the death of fish became a matter of discussion and concern in the village. For the villagers, this is not just the death of aquatic creatures, but a matter related to their age-old faith.
According to the villagers, the fishes and giant turtles of the divine pond are considered sacred. It is believed that big turtles and fishes have resided in the pond for centuries and the people of the village consider it their responsibility to protect them. Catching or eating the fish here is considered completely prohibited. There is also a belief among the villagers that whoever harms the revered fishes of the pond, his life is surrounded by troubles.
Concern was clearly visible on the faces of the villagers due to the sudden death of a large number of fish on Saturday. After all, no one has the answer as to why so many fish are dying at once. The villagers have started preparations by collecting water samples from the pond and getting them tested so that the real cause of the death of the fish can be revealed.
Dozens of villagers including Bhishmadhar Dubey, Arjun Dubey, Parmatma Dubey, former head Bacha Dubey were present on the spot. Everyone expressed deep sorrow over the death of the fish. The villagers have also informed the local police. According to the villagers, if a fish or turtle dies in the divine pond, it is not released in the normal way, but as per religious belief, it is buried in the soil along with a shroud. Preparations are also being made to bury the dead fish according to the same tradition.
Villagers said that about a decade ago, an incident of disappearance of two dozen big turtles from around the pond was also reported. The villagers alleged that some laborers from Jharkhand working at a brick kiln had caught the turtles and eaten them. Later it was said that the upper shells of turtles were found near the kiln. The villagers also relate this incident to their faith. He says that after this the kiln in question gradually closed down and today it no longer exists.
At present, the death of fish has raised many questions in Satuabhar. The villagers are waiting for the investigation report, so that it can be clear whether the fishes of Daivik Pokhara died due to natural causes or due to some kind of pollution in the water.