Aquatic life perishes in Kolar lake due to sewage

Residents of Kolar who witnessed intense froth and stink at the Lakshmisagara Lake after the BWSSB pumped untreated sewage water from Bellandur, woke up to yet another shock on Wednesday morning. They spotted dead fish and reptiles floating on the lake water, especially near the inlet point.

Belying claims of the government that the quality of the water was well within stipulated norms, the aquatic life including fish, reptiles, algae and planktons had perished revealing that the biochemical oxygen (dissolved oxygen needed for aquatic organisms) demand was far less in the lake waters due to pollution.

The local residents who often flock to Lakshmisagara Lake for morning walks were shocked to see fish and snakes floating on the surface of the water. “While a few fish were found floating dead, a few were still gasping for breath. Some water snakes and crabs too were found dead in the waters. Besides, the water had turned dark green suggestive of eutrophication due to the addition of minerals and nutrients through untreated water.

R Anjaneya Reddy, the petitioner against the project before the high court said, “I was shocked to see the photographs and videos of floating dead fish and snakes at the lake. There cannot be a better proof than this to prove that the government has pumped in untreated water. While they were supposed to subject the water through tertiary treatment, they have not even done secondary treatment. In fact, the officials have been flushing out the water from the lake by pumping it to nearby eucalyptus groves and fields.”

The government 's affidavit on Monday revealed that biochemical oxygen demand at 27 degrees was at 13.5 % while it should have been less than 2%. In yet another sample the reports revealed 3%. Following the death of aquatic life, the KC Valley project officials obtained samples for testing. Minor Irrigation Department engineer S N Krishnappa said miscreants may have thrown dead animals from elsewhere into the lake.