Patna, Sep 1: The Bihar government has advised people against consuming fish washed into the state through floodwaters from Nepal, amid concerns over the safety of unfamiliar fish being caught and sold in local markets.
Floodwaters from Nepal have entered several rivers in Bihar, reportedly carrying along fish varieties that are not commonly found in the state’s waters. Large quantities of such fish are being caught by fishermen and locals and, according to the information available, some are being sold in local markets.
The government has advised fishermen and traders not to catch or sell the unfamiliar fish and urged people to stay away from them until the flood situation improves.
The warning comes amid reports that several people have fallen ill after consuming the fish. Authorities have raised concerns that fish swept downstream during floods may have travelled through contaminated water, dirty canals and areas containing waste or animal carcasses.
Such conditions can expose fish to various bacteria and other pathogens, potentially making them unsafe for consumption.
People have therefore been advised to exercise caution and avoid eating new or unfamiliar varieties of fish entering Bihar during the flood situation.
The advisory also urges those who may have consumed such fish to remain alert for signs of illness and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
The warning adds a new health dimension to the impact of the Nepal floods, which have already caused significant disruption in Bihar’s riverine areas.
