Since Sunday, tonnes of dead fish have been found floating on the banks of Sheelavanthakere Lake, causing concern among residents and walkers. The likely cause is suspected to be raw sewage entering the lake from the Nallurahalli side after last week’s rain, resulting in a foul stench around the area.
Officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Lakes Division attribute the mass fish kill to the depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the polluted lake. To address the issue, they have submitted a proposal to the government for the installation of a 1.25-meter diameter diversion pipe to prevent sewage inflow. They are currently awaiting approval.
Residents, however, are frustrated with the lack of action. “The officials keep saying they have sent proposals but they never follow up. It appears that there is no coordination between BBMP and BWSSB,” said Rajashekhar Reddy, a regular walker at the lake and a resident of Nallurahalli.
Nallurahalli Nagesh, a Congress leader, criticized the lack of attention given to water bodies in the Mahadevapura zone. “The present and previous MLAs have not done any development and opposition leaders in the area are keeping mum. That is the reason officials do not respond to citizens when such complaints are raised,” he said. BBMP Assistant Engineer (Lakes Division) Sapna NK stated that workers have been deployed to clear the dead fish, dispose of them scientifically, and clean the sludge. “Efforts are on to improve the DO level in the water. The long-term solution will be to install a 1.25-meter diameter, 700-meter-long pipe along the lake at the inlet from the Nallurahalli side. Once the proposal is passed, a work order will be issued and will be taken up on priority,” she assured.
The situation highlights ongoing issues with lake management and sewage treatment in the area, prompting calls for immediate and effective intervention.
Source: The New Indian Express
