Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Mumbai Plans Artificial Ponds, More Pumps After Banganga Fish Deaths
Hundreds of fish were found dead in Banganga Tank in Mumbai.
The deaths may be connected to offerings put into the water during Pitru Paksha, when people perform rituals to honour their ancestors.
Officials say some ritual materials can harm fish and other aquatic life.
Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha visited the tank to review the problem.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has started removing offerings and will step up cleaning.
It plans to build 10 artificial ponds where rituals can take place instead.
The BMC will also add more pumps to increase oxygen in the tank.
These steps are intended to protect the water and the animals living in it.
Fish deaths have been an annual concern at the tank, including during Pitru Paksha last year.
Hundreds of dead fish were found floating in Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar, south Mumbai.
The deaths were allegedly linked to offerings immersed during Pitru Paksha; officials said some ritual materials can harm aquatic life.
Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha inspected the tank and reviewed measures to protect its ecosystem.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will set up 10 artificial ponds and increase oxygenation pumps at the site.
The BMC began removing offerings from the water and was asked to intensify cleaning and waste management during Pitru Paksha and afterward.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha are involved in response measures; hundreds of fish were found dead.
- What
- After fish deaths at Banganga Tank, officials announced cleanup, 10 artificial ponds and more oxygenation pumps.
- When
- The discovery was reported on October 5 during Pitru Paksha, observed from September 26 to October 10 this year.
- Where
- Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar, south Mumbai.
- Why
- Offerings immersed during rituals were identified as a possible cause of harm to aquatic life; the measures aim to improve water conditions and prevent further damage.
- Dead fish
- Hundreds were found floating in Banganga Tank.
- Planned artificial ponds
- The BMC will set up 10 around Banganga Tank as an alternative space for rituals.
- Oxygenation
- The number of oxygenation pumps at the site will be increased.
- Cleanup
- The BMC began removing Nirmalya, or offerings, from the water.
- Pitru Paksha
- The period is observed from September 26 to October 10 this year.
- Inspection
- Mangal Prabhat Lodha inspected the tank and reviewed steps to protect its aquatic ecosystem.
- Recurring concern
- Fish deaths at the tank have also been reported as an annual concern, including during Pitru Paksha last year.
