Muktapur Lake, on the outskirts of Hyderabad in the Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district experienced a devastating fishkill recently. Over the span of several days, fish valued at 25 lakh were reported dead in the lake, with the primary cause attributed to the use of herbicide sprayed via drones to combat water hyacinth growth.
During the event, Muktapur Lake, linked to the heavily polluted Musi river, served as a critical source of fish for Hyderabad residents, sparking concerns among local communities about the potential threats posed to aquatic life and public health by the contamination of lakes along the Musi river course.
According to reports from the Bhoodhan Pochampally mandal revenue officer, Veerabai, the fishkill was a direct consequence of herbicide spraying in a neighbouring tank, rather than pollution originating from the Musi river. However, apprehensions lingered regarding the overall pollution levels in the area.
Over a period of five days, dead fish were observed floating in the Narsappa Cheruvu of Muktapur, which spans 110 acres and is managed by a local fisherman cooperative society. G Shankar, a member of the society, estimated a loss of 25 lakh and subsequently filed a police complaint against K Ramachandra, deemed responsible for the herbicide spraying.
Despite concerns about pollution, the importance of continuing fish farming in the region was emphasized, particularly due to the supply of fish from Muktapur to Hyderabad markets.
Environmental activist Pittala Srisailam underscored the widespread contamination of lakes in Bhoodhan Pochampally due to pollution from the Musi river, including the sale of soil with high contaminant levels to the brick industry.
Experts, including Professor Donti Narasimha Reddy, suggested that glyphosate herbicide may have been the primary cause of the fishkill, warning of potential bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish. Reddy stressed the urgent need for proper testing to ensure the safety of fish supplied to consumers in Hyderabad.
