Iril water releases foul smell
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 24 2025:
Even as floodwaters subside in a major relief to the people, a new issue has surfaced with a pungent smell emanating from Iril River, raising alarm among local residents and authorities.
A foul odour has been reported along a significant stretch of the Iril River, suggesting potential pollution or contamination.
In response, the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change has collected water samples from the Top to Kshetrigao Makha stretch of Iril River for analysis.
Iril River was severely affected in the recent floods.
On September 22, many people flocked to the Iril River stretch from Top and areas south for fishing, only to find fish floating in the water without any apparent reason.
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Now, the river has started emitting a foul odour and a team of Directorate of Environment and Climate Change has collected water samples from Iril River (Top to Kshetrigao stretch) for lab testing.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the river's oxygen level was significantly low due to a surge in biochemical oxygen demand, likely caused by the decomposition of fallen leaves, paddy, and other organic matter.
The water samples revealed a dissolved oxygen level of less than 2 milligrams per litre, significantly below the normal range of 6-10 milligrams per litre.
The study found that increased biochemical oxygen demand and decreased dissolved oxygen levels may have led to the fish floating along Iril River stretch.
The Directorate has also started chemical analysis of the water sample and the result is expected within five days.
Similar incidents of contamination have also been reported along the Kongba and Imphal River stretches.





