Bihar warns against consuming unusual fish from flood-affected areas

Authorities in Bihar have urged residents of flood-affected districts to exercise caution when encountering unfamiliar fish species in swollen waterways, citing potential contamination risks. Bihar Fisheries Minister Nand Kishor Ram issued a comprehensive advisory warning against catching, consuming, buying, or selling any fish that appear unusual or atypical.

In recent weeks, residents across East and West Champaran districts, Gopalganj, Bagaha, and Saran have reported discovering large fish with strange appearances in flood waters inundating their regions. Local communities, many of whom depend on fishing as a livelihood or supplementary food source, have been advised to avoid handling such specimens.

The advisory emphasizes the contamination risks posed by unfamiliar fish species, particularly those displaced by flooding from unusual sources or environments. Fisheries officials have not specified which particular species pose a threat, instead adopting a precautionary stance toward any catches that deviate from residents' familiar local varieties.

The department's guidance reflects broader public health concerns during monsoon-induced flooding, when water quality deterioration and the displacement of aquatic life can create unpredictable conditions. Residents are encouraged to source fish only from established markets and verified suppliers during the period of elevated water levels.