In response to the recent fish kill incident at Hesaraghatta Lake, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued a notice to the Frozen Semen Collection Centre, attributing the environmental contamination to sewage overflow from cattle wash activities conducted on-site.
The incident, which occurred late in May, saw thousands of small fish found dead near the eastern bamboo forest of the lake, prompting swift action from environmental authorities. Upon inspection, KSPCB officials determined that sewage generated from washing cattle at the research centre had overflowed into the lake, leading to the contamination.
A senior official from KSPCB highlighted the necessity for treating wastewater, particularly from ponds upstream of the lake, which drain stormwater into Hesaraghatta. The sewage from cattle shed washings accumulates in large ponds before overflowing into low-lying areas and, ultimately, the lake, exacerbating pollution levels. While the exact breeding status of fish in adjacent ponds with clear water remains unclear, it is evident that the sewage overflow from the centre significantly contributed to the pollution of Hesaraghatta lake, once a vital source of drinking water for Bengaluru. The contamination poses a threat not only to aquatic life but also to the birds and animals thriving in the surrounding grasslands. Authorities have promised to take proactive measures to prevent further contamination and emphasize preserving the ecological balance of the area.
The response from the Frozen Semen Collection Centre will now undergo review at KSPCB headquarters, paving the way for additional actions to mitigate environmental damage and ensure sustainable management of water resources. The incident underscores the critical need for stringent environmental regulations and oversight in industrial and agricultural practices to safeguard natural ecosystems and public health. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, efforts towards restoring the ecological integrity of Hesaraghatta Lake remain paramount in the agenda of environmental conservation in Karnataka.
