Sewage inflow kills fish in thousands in Bangalore's Iblur Lake

In what is seen as a case of civic negligence, thousands of fish have been found dead mysteriously at Iblur Lake near HSR Layout.

Narayana, the licensed contractor for the fish in the lake, blamed untreated sewage water from several residential areas in Bellandur Gate as the cause of the deaths. He alleged that the sewage water is sent to the drain without treating, thus depleting the oxygen level of the lake water.

“I have already suffered huge losses thrice and though I complained to BBMP officials of Bellandur and HSR wards, no action has been initiated so far. The officials are inefficient and we are the ones who incur the loss,” said Narayana.

The park by the lake, which once had people frequenting it, now wears a deserted look. Visitors say the foul smell emanating from the lake is getting worse by day and spoiling the mood and environment that persisted in the lake a few years ago.

Praveen D’Souza, an executive in a software firm said, “I chose an apartment in this locality after looking at this lake. It used to be beautiful and the greenery around it was mind-blowing. It also used to attract rare migratory birds. As the secretary of a residential apartment, I personally went and met the MD of the Lake Development Authority and suggested him to make the lake a tourist spot with boating facilities. However, we are unable to do it because of the terrible stink.”

Thyagappa, a resident of Iblur, alleged that the presence of several apartments near the lake caused the deaths of fish due to  pollution.

“I have been a resident here from childhood and this problem was not there before. From the time these apartments came up, incidents like these have become regular,” Thyagappa alleged.

A Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activist, K Krishna, who was present at the spot said, “I blame the civic authorities and the corporation for this mess. Though many complaints were made, the authorities did not take any action. I would like to appeal to the government to resolve the sewage issue and later fence the lake to make it a place of attraction.”

Dinesh Kumar, the CEO of Fish Farmers Development Agency said, “I don’t know the exact cause and it’s also too early to blame anybody. I have asked the concerned to collect samples of the water and the dead fish. Let them do a research and submit a report after which we will do the needful.”

Meanwhile, a brief argument ensued between the residents and a representative from Mantri Builders, who came there in defence of his company. “We do treat the sewage water before it is sent through the chambers. This is not the sewage from our apartment,” he claimed.

The BBMP councillor of HSR Layout ward, who visited the spot said, “I haven’t received any complaint so far. I learnt about it only now. I will definitely take necessary action. I have spoken to my higher-ups and I guarantee action very soon. I will hereafter take care of this and make sure an incident like this never happens.”