Aquatic ecosystem choked as pollutants flow into Bengaluru lakes  

Entry of sewage water and industrial effluents identified as root causes 

The impact of the neglect of lakes by way of encroachments and unscientific rejuvenation processes was on full display during the recent heavy rains, but what goes on inside the lakes is a story that is equally distressing. As pollutants continue to flow into many lakes, it is wreaking havoc on the aquatic ecosystem.

Hundreds of fish have died in the city in the last few years. According to a report, which was released earlier this year, around 35 cases of fish kill were seen in the city in the last five years, with the Jakkur, the Kothanur, the Panatthur, and the Haralur lakes being identified as vulnerable.

In recent days, incidents of fish kill have been reported from all of these lakes, with one being reported from Haralur in the second week of September. 

Most lake activists and local residents allege that the entry of sewage water into the lakes is the root cause of cases of fish kill.

The absence of appropriate monitoring by both the authorities concerned, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), is cited as the second cause.  

“The sewage does not enter the lake when it is not raining. But when it rains, the drains overflow and there are two to three entry points from where the sewage gets mixed into the lake. I have been here for two years and I have seen at least five to six cases of fish kill already. We have been trying to get the BBMP to take some notice and coordinate with the other civic agencies like the BWSSB. They have issued a notice, but not much change is happening,” said Nagaraj Udupa, member, Kothanur Lake Development Association. 

Instances of fish kill were reported from Kothanur lake in June and July. During a visit to the lake, The Hindu saw that a lot of solid waste, mainly constituting plastic, floating around the lake.