{
  "id": 12055183,
  "title": "Thousands of fish die in Doddagubbi lake",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/thousands-of-fish-die-in-doddagubbi-lake",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T02:23:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/thousands-of-fish-die-in-doddagubbi-lake-101791140771160.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thousands of fish have perished in Doddagubbi Lake, an 125-acre water body in Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura Assembly constituency, following the entry of polluted water during recent rains, according to officials. The abrupt drop in dissolved oxygen is suspected as the cause of the mass fish deaths. Dead fish were discovered floating across various parts of the lake and along its edges, prompting fisheries officials and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to collect water samples for analysis. The samples are currently being sent to a lab for testing to ascertain the nature and extent of the contamination. Deputy Director of the Fisheries Department in Mahadevapura ward, B Chikkanna, stated that the preliminary assessment suggests asphyxiation due to oxygen depletion. \"Initially, it seemed the fishes died due to asphyxiation. The rainwater mixed with polluted water from the Mittaganahalli GBA dumping yard entered the lake, resulting in a shortage of oxygen,\" Chikkanna informed Hindustan Times on Sunday. The Fisheries Department has commenced an investigation into the incident and collected samples from the lake. \"We have initiated an inquiry and collected samples,\" Chikkanna added. KSPCB regional officer K S Sudhakar reported that the lake appeared heavily contaminated during the initial inspection. The board has dispatched the samples to their laboratories for testing, adding that \"Initially, it seemed highly polluted and unfit for any kind of usage.\" Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has instructed officials to inspect the lake and implement corrective measures. The fish deaths have also drawn attention to the drainage network surrounding the lake and the potential for sewage to enter the water body during rainfall. Environmental activists have alleged that untreated sewage may have entered the lake, exacerbating its water quality issues. Former KSPCB chairman Dr Sharath Chandra pointed out that untreated sewage can swiftly lower oxygen levels in a water body, as organic matter in sewage is broken down by microorganisms that consume dissolved oxygen. If oxygen levels plummet significantly, fish cannot survive. Officials are anticipated to investigate the drainage network around Doddagubbi Lake in conjunction with laboratory testing to determine how polluted water entered the lake. The definitive cause of the fish deaths will be established once the KSPCB laboratory reports are received.",
  "summary": "Thousands of fish have died in Doddagubbi Lake, a 125 acre water body in Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura Assembly constituency, after polluted water entered the lake during recent rains, with officials suspecting a sharp fall in dissolved oxygen.",
  "key_points": [
    "Thousands of fish died in Doddagubbi Lake due to polluted water.",
    "Rainwater mixed with contaminated water from Mittaganahalli GBA dumping yard.",
    "Fisheries Department and KSPCB investigating lake contamination."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}