The Hindu : Karnataka News : Fish kill in Hassan tank

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Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Fish kill in Hassan tank

Shama Sunder

Over 1,000 fish died on Monday, and another 500 on Tuesday

Municipal workers removing dead fish from Devikere tank in Hassan on Tuesday.

HASSAN: Devikere in Hassan is a historic tank. According to residents, the tank was built by Tipu Sultan and water was taken from this tank to worship Goddess Hassanambe, the presiding deity of Hassan. However, this tank has become a victim of neglect by the Hassan City Municipal Council.

Though there is a watchman, garbage is thrown into the tank, particularly by pushcart eateries, wayside eateries and people residing in the area around the tank.

Over 1,000 fish died on Monday. On Tuesday, the municipal staff removed about 500 dead fish from the tank. It was first noticed by merchants who run their trade near-by who saw dead fish floating on the water. Municipal pourakarmikas removed the dead fish from the tank.

There were pieces of idli and vada that were apparently thrown into the tank by the eateries. It is said that the fish may have eaten the contaminated food and died.

Prakash, a resident, said that the tank had not been cleaned for the past two years and there is a likelihood of the stagnant water becoming contaminated.

Added to this, Ganesha idols were immersed during the Ganesha Chaturthi festival and the chemical paints used on the idols got mixed in the water.

People visiting the place offered “mandaalu (puffed rice)”, bread and bun to the fish. They also leave empty plastic bags there.

Environmentalist Kishore Kumar, who is the president of the Malnad Janapara Horata Samithi, criticised the municipal council for neglecting the tank.

He said people should be educated against throwing waste into the tank. Immersion of Ganesha idols should be banned.

He said the tank should be flushed as the contaminated water lacked oxygen. The tank should be filled with fresh water and saplings should be planted. About two years ago, 5,000 fish were let into the tank.

Some people who tried to steal the fish a few months ago were caught by the merchants near-by and were handed over to the police. However, they were let off.

Mr. Kishore suggested to the municipal council to send the dead fish for a laboratory test for ascertaining the cause of death.

Superintendent of Police K.V. Sharatchandra and Hassan Urban Development Commissioner Raju visited the spot. .

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