Thousands of fish were found dead in the off-taking Canals of Sukkur Barrage after poisonous chemicals poured into the water.

According to reports, after the Sukkur Barrage closed for maintenance and repairs, the gates at the head of the canals were opened and allowed water to flow downstream into the river.

At the various sites of the canals, the water collects in small ponds and greedy fishermen pour poisonous chemicals in these ponds to kill the juvenile fish mostly and a larger scale.

The dead fish are then collected in bags and taken to markets for sale. These poisonous fish also sold to the poultry industry for poultry feed.

Using the poisonous method of catching fish is a public heath hazard, it poses threat to the health consumers.

The concerned department and district administration have failed to take any action against the perpetrators.

According to locals, the fishermen pour the chemicals into the water late at night and then send their children to collect the dead fish in the morning.