29 MAY, 2023
Amrutha Pagad
Video: Adhya Moona
Venice is known as the city of canals. But lately, the canals have made headlines for all the not-so-picturesque reasons.
Photo: AP
On Sunday morning, Venetian authorities discovered a mysterious patch of fluorescent green water in the Grand Canal.
Photo: Twitter/zaiapresidente
Veneto regional president Luca Zaia wrote on Twitter saying that an urgent meeting has been called to investigate the matter.
Photo: AP
It remains unknown how the green patch came to be. Water samples have been collected, and local gondolier pilots and boat drivers have been questioned.
Video: Twitter/vvfveneto
The city councilman Andrea Pegoraro immediately blamed environmental groups; but none have claimed responsibility so far.
Photo: Twitter/arpaveneto
There is speculation on whether it is due to algae or the release of some illegal substance into the canal.
Photo: Adhya Moona
It is not the first time the canal waters have turned green. In 1968, an Argentine artist dyed the waters green to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Photo: Reuters
The green patch isn't the only thing ailing Venice's canals. Earlier this year, parts of the canal went dry due to lack of rain and low tide.
Photo: Representative/Getty Images
The colour incident comes as Venice is celebrating Vogalonga boat event.