Authorities in the eastern Indian state of Bihar have warned residents not to eat unfamiliar fish brought into local rivers by floodwaters from Tibet and Nepal, according to a report by The Times of India.
The Bihar Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying issued the public warning on September 1 after several people needed medical treatment for poisoning after eating the fish.
State officials said that severe flooding in neighbouring Nepal washed large numbers of unfamiliar fish species into the Gandak River. The Gandak River, known as the Narayani in Nepal, is a major transboundary river that originates in the Himalayas near Tibet and flows south into northern India to join the Ganges River.
Contaminated Floodwaters
Government representatives stated that fish coming from Nepal could be toxic. Officials explained that following the floods, the fish spent extended periods in water polluted with municipal sewage, animal carcasses, and other harmful waste products.
The state Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is responsible for managing aquaculture, livestock welfare, and public safety regarding animal products in Bihar. Officials warned that floodwaters frequently collect toxic runoff, agricultural chemicals, and untreated sewage, making river fish unsafe for consumption during severe inundations.
Northern Bihar is one of the most flood-prone regions in India. When heavy rains hit the Himalayan mountain ranges in Nepal and Tibet, river levels rise rapidly, pushing polluted floodwaters into low-lying agricultural districts across the Indian border.
Giant Catfish Species
Among the unusual creatures found in the Gandak River are rare Indian Bagarius, a genus of large predatory catfish. These bottom-dwelling catfish can grow up to two metres in length and are known for their massive heads and predatory habits in fast-flowing Himalayan rivers. Several local residents who caught and ate the fish suffered poisoning symptoms and required medical care.
Eating fish taken from water contaminated by sewage and organic waste can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Health experts warn that bacteria, toxins, and heavy pollutants accumulate in fish tissues, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, stomach cramps, and severe dehydration when consumed.
Unusual Marine Sightings
The Bihar warning comes amid other recent reports of unusual marine life appearing outside their typical habitats. Previous reports noted that a rare deep-sea oarfish was discovered on Komodo Island in Indonesia. The elongated fish, which was also spotted off the coast of Thailand on January 11, 2024, is traditionally viewed in regional folklore as a harbinger of natural disasters.
Officials in Bihar continue to monitor local waterways and have reiterated their advice for residents to avoid purchasing or eating unfamiliar fish caught from floodwaters.
