Southern States
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Karnataka
Algae bloom may lead to another large-scale fishkill
By Our Staff Correspondent
MYSORE, JAN. 1. Even as the largescale death of fish and exotic birds in several lakes in and around Mysore city is fresh in the memory of nature lovers, there could be another spell of disaster for aquatic animals in Kukkarahalli Lake. The uncontrolled bloom of algae in the lake could sound the death knell to aquatic life there. The obnoxious odour from dead algae that are floating on the lake is causing a lot of inconvenience to the residents of neighbouring areas Though the problem came to light more than 10 days ago, the Mysore University authorities have failed to take action that includes simple skimming up operation to remove dead algae.
The Kukkarahalli Lake is habitat to over 165 species of birds which roost there. Surveys carried out in the past have proved that about 30 birds breed there. A large number of birds are migratory and visit the lake only during winter.
However, it is reckoned that the Kukkarahalli Lake attracted not less than 30,000 birds of different species during a season. Rare species such as the Indian Darter and the Large and Little Cormorants are found here regularly, and it is the future of such birds which is now in danger.
The largescale fish kill that was reported in August 2001 has already reduced the number of fish in the lake. Bird watchers here point out that the dwindling number of fish had affected the prey base for a huge number of birds. With the fear of another fish kill looming large over the lake, the bigger birds may migrate to a new place in the absence of prey base in the lake.
Dr. Ravi Kumar of the Centre for Appropriate Rural Technologies (CART), who is also the Executive Committee member of "Jala Samrakshana Okkoota", told The Hindu that foul smell was emanating from the lake due to the presence of dead algae. The algae had started rotting with the depleting level of water, he added. He said that skimming of algae from the lake would not cost much, and the algae thus removed could be used as compost in the university farms. Though several appeals had been made to clean up the lake, action had not been taken so far by the authorities, he added.
He said that once the dead algae were removed, aeration techniques could be used to bring sufficient oxygen level in the shallow waters of the lake. Stating that this situation could have been avoided if precautionary measures had been taken, he said the obstruction caused by the algae bloom to sunlight to enter the water would affect the aquatic life, and fish would get trapped leading to their death.
Despite the pollution and its location amid an urban locale, the Kukkarahalli Lake continues to harbour a diverse species of plants and animals. It is also rich in swamp vegetation, semi aquatic vegetation and supports more than half a dozen species of fish, including Labeo ohita, Catla catla, Cirrhina Mrigal, Wallago Attu, etc.
Meanwhile, the residents of the university staff quarters have complained that no action has been taken, though several complaints have been lodged over the smell emanating from the lake.
The picturesque Kukkarahalli Lake, a source of inspiration for many artists and poets, including Kuvempu, has become a veritable cesspool emanating foul smell.
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