BENGALURU: Are criminal-minded contractors behind the death of thousands of fish at Ulsoor and Devarabisanahalli lakes? A BBMP official, who has observed a pattern in such fish deaths, told Deccan Chronicle that the contractors indulge in such tricks when their contracts are about to expire.
“The contractors release a large number of baby fish, crowding out the lakes, and reducing the level of oxygen in these water bodies. When fish die, the contractors plead with the BBMP officials to extend the contracts,” he said.
For instance, the contract for Ulsoor Lake is coming to an end in June.
“But that does not mean the lakes are not polluted. The fish death could also be due to release of untreated sewage into the lakes,” he said. In its report, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has blamed untreated sewage for the fish death.
Ms Annapurna Kamath, trustee, Jalaposhan, Jakkur said that although lack of dissolved oxygen is suspected behind fish death, a scientific research is required to establish the actual reason behind it. “Release of more fish fingerlings into the lake could be one of the reasons for lack of dissolved oxygen,” she said.
She said that contractors at Jakkur are very helpful in keeping the lake clean by clearing weed and algae. A perfect ecosystem and coordination has been created between contractors and residents. Residents are happy with the way the lake is maintained, she said.
