Amid the floods in Nepal and the rising water levels in Bihar, the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department has advised people not to consume fish caught from floodwaters. Officials have urged people to exercise caution, particularly in areas affected by floodwater.

The recent flash floods in Nepal and the rising water levels of rivers in Bihar have brought an unusual concern of unidentified fish being found in water bodies and flood-affected areas. Following the development, authorities have advised residents not to catch, sell or consume fish whose species and origin cannot be verified.

Concerns over unidentified fish

The warning comes amid concerns over the movement of aquatic species through floodwaters. Heavy rainfall and sudden flooding can wash fish and other aquatic organisms from rivers, ponds and breeding areas into locations where they are not normally found. In Bihar, which shares a close geographical connection with Nepal through several rivers, floodwaters can travel across the border and alter local aquatic environments.

Bihar government issues advisory