Illegal catfish rearing exposes swarm of fish in dried up lake, worries environmentalists

As the video surfaced on social media, environmentalists feel that these species are illegally breeded. The species is very strong and survives even in polluted conditions and is known to feed on local fish species.

Convenor of Friends of Lakes - an environment group, Ram Prasad said that there are two things to note here, one is about illegal catfish rearing and another one is sewage flow into the lake.

"This is the case of apathy from multiple agencies. The lake is in the custody of BBMP. Karnataka Tank Conversation and Development Authority which has the power to pull up concerned officials for the apathy shows lackadaisical attitude. Despite warnings, BWSSB has failed in stopping the sewage flow into the lakes. Karnataka State Pollution Control Board should have pulled up all the agencies but it also remains silent."

It appears that contractors who take the lake area on lease for fish cultivation may be the reason for rearing catfish in Bengaluru lakes and the incident should be taken seriously.