on may 17, 2018, countless number of fishes and other aquatic animals were found dead in beas river due to release of molasses from a sugar mill situated on its shore at kiri afgana village in gurdaspur district. locals have noted that the river color has changed to rust brown and dead fishes were floating in the river. punjab pollution control board have ordered the closure of the factory and an enquiry has been initiated. besides sealing, the sugar mill has been charged a fine of rs. 25 lakh for this negligence.