Gujarat : Seven Animals Die in Khambhat as Chemical Pollution Sparks Fear

ANAND: A deadly pollution crisis has returned to Khambhat’s Vainaj-Akhol coastal belt, where seven animals have died allegedly after exposure to chemical-contaminated water or food, leaving livestock owners angry and fearful for their livelihoods. Around 15 more animals are reportedly in critical condition.

The deaths have revived concerns over pollution in the area, where 13 animals died in a similar incident last July. Earlier, nearly 200 birds were also reported dead under mysterious circumstances in the Vatadara and Vatra areas.

Five buffaloes reportedly died at different locations in the Bhatha area, while two others died at the yards of local livestock owners Pintubhai Kamabhai Bharwad and Vallubhai Haribhai Bharwad.

Livestock owners said the affected animals developed severe symptoms, including skin peeling and deterioration, after allegedly coming into contact with chemical-laden water or food.

“Our entire family depends on livestock, but chemical pollution is becoming fatal for our animals,” said Vallubhai Bharwad, alleging that unauthorised shrimp and fish ponds and chemically contaminated water discharged by industries were responsible.

The emotional toll has been equally severe. Jabuben, a local livestock owner, broke down while describing the loss of her buffaloes.

“These animals are more precious to us than anything. Our livelihood and our lives depend on them,” she said, adding that several families had suffered similar losses.

According to livestock owners, each buffalo is worth around Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, making the deaths a devastating financial blow for poor families. They have demanded an impartial investigation, strict action against polluters and adequate compensation.

The Khambhat rural police have received a complaint, while veterinary teams treated the surviving animals. A panel of doctors conducted postmortems on the dead animals and sent samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

Veterinary officer Dr Richik Anjana said, “The animals were postmortemed by a panel and samples have been sent to the FSL to establish the exact cause of death.”

Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Regional Officer Pawan Sharma said officials had inspected the affected area and collected water samples from Bhatha and nearby shrimp ponds for laboratory testing.

The issue has added urgency because last year’s FSL report had reportedly detected chemicals in water following the deaths of 13 animals. The district animal husbandry department subsequently provided Rs 37,500 per animal to affected farmers.