Bengaluru: Sewage overflow during rains causes mass fishkill at Siddapura lake

Hundreds of fish seen dead, along with large quantities of trash at Siddapura lake that resembled a cesspool after the rains in Bengaluru on October 19, 2026. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Several hundred fish were found dead at the Siddapura lake near Brookfield on Monday (October 19, 2026) morning, reportedly after large quantities of raw sewage entered the lake from a nearby Rakajaluve following heavy rains.Large quantities of trash, including plastic bottles, were also found in the lake that resembled a cesspool after the rains.Mix of sewage and plastic wasteVipin Chopra, who lives in the vicinity and frequently visits the lake for his morning walk, spotted the fish kill during his usual walk.“I saw 500-600 dead fish floating on the lake surface. A strong stench was emanating. Lots of trash and debris were also found floating in the lake.” According to him, only a year ago the lake was restored after a plantation drive, and the water body, since then, had been in healthy condition until now. “There is a small pond (wetland) near the lake into which a lot of trash, including plastic bottles, enters from a nearby drain. It was gradually becoming a dump. But, earlier, there was a barrier preventing this from entering the lake. Now that barrier seems to have broken, and all the trash seems to be entering the lake,“ said Mr. Chopra, who believes the trash is being thrown into the drain from houses nearby. “Untreated sewage also flows into the drain from the sewage pipes nearby. I think this is entering the pond and then into the lake, causing destruction. A large part of the lake is now murky and covered with algae, probably reducing the oxygen level and causing the fish kill,” he added. Complaints registeredA board installed near the lake displays official email IDs and a WhatsApp phone number at which complaints can be registered. Mr. Chopra has registered a complaint at both and has also written to Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.“I checked with a few others also in the neighbourhood. They said they have also flagged the issue with the authorities, but haven’t heard back anything yet.”“A BWSSB office is located only 500 metres from the lake. I’m surprised that there has been no action yet,” Mr. Chopra said. Corrective actionAn official with the Lakes and Storm Water Drain Division in the Bengaluru East City Corporation confirmed that department has received complaints about the fishkill.“Due to the recent heavy rains in Bengaluru, a lot of sewage water has flown into the lake. When it rains, rajakaluves and manholes start overflowing, and they reach the lakes. When the quantum of sewage increases, the water quality suddenly drops, and fish kills happen. We have asked to raise the height of the inlet into the lake in such a way that sewage doesn’t reach the lake when it rains,” the official said.Madhuri Subbarao, Co-Founder of Friends of Lakes, urged the GBA not to introduce any aquatic life into lakes until scientific assessments confirm that the water quality is suitable for their survival.She also called for mandatory quarterly water quality monitoring of all lakes by KSPCB, with timely corrective action rather than reactive responses after incidents occur.‘Joint effort required’“Siddapura Kere was a thriving lake over 15 years ago, when communities were organically involved in its care, and it showed renewed promise following recent citizen-led greening efforts. Today, we must ask why our lakes are losing their ecological identity. Lake conservation cannot succeed through government management alone; it requires scientific oversight, accountability and meaningful citizen participation,” Ms. Subbarao said.“Despite years of citizens investing their time, effort and money in lake revival, we continue to witness declining water quality, biodiversity and groundwater recharge potential,” she added.Only a few days ago, a massive fishkill was reported at Doddagubbi Lake. In June, hundreds of fish were found dead at Sunkalpalya Lake. Published - October 21, 2026 01:24 pm IST