An activist in the Nilgiris has demanded that a check dam supplying water to a village near Coonoor be drained and cleaned because dead fish was found in it.

The activist, Sharan Deep Singh from Bettati, conducts clean-up operations in waterbodies and ecologically sensitive areas in Coonoor and Kotagiri. In his letter to District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, Mr. Singh said the check dam, near the Ralliah Dam, might be contaminated, leading to the death of fauna in the water.

He told The Hindu that he feared the fish could be consumed by other wildlife. The check dam supplied drinking water to the village of Hosatty and, hence, posed a risk to the health of its residents. “The area is home to many species of wildlife, which could potentially be affected through accidental consumption of the dead animals from the pond,” he said.

Mr. Singh claimed that civic body officials visited the check dam following his complaints but initially downplayed the incident. However, after being pressed about the issue, the pipe supplying water to the village was closed off.

He demanded testing of the water, finding the source of contamination, and draining the water from the check dam. “The water must be drained, the sludge must be removed, and the waterbody must be cleaned before the water supply to the village is restored,” he said.

Published - August 02, 2026 07:29 pm IST