'Blue Danube' sickens Tai Po

The Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po has turned milky blue and netizens suspect rascals illegally threw industrial waste into the river.

A netizen who posted photos on Facebook yesterday said she walked past the river in the afternoon and noticed the water had turned blue.

A netizen commented that the water near Tai Wo Estate was all milk blue, but the water color seems to be lighter near Kwong Fuk Bridge. Another claimed that there were people pouring in blue paint at Tai Po Garden.

A netizen also made fun out of the situation, citing the famous waltz The Blue Danube by Austrian composer Johann Strauss II. Tai Po district councilor Ho Wai-lam said the color of the river became lighter by 4pm but there was still rubbish and oil pollution.

Ho added that he had informed the Drainage Services Department and the Environmental Protection Department for a follow-up. He urged citizens to report to him if they noticed any illegal disposal of industrial waste nearby.