Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Mumbai's Banganga Tank: Recurring Fish Deaths Spark Concern
Every year, a lot of fish die in the Banganga Tank in Mumbai.
This happens because people put flowers and food in the water during a religious time called Pitru Paksha.
These offerings make the water dirty, and the fish don't have enough air to breathe.
The city cleans up the dead fish, but the problem keeps happening.
The tank is old and special, but the people in charge can't agree on how to stop it.
They've tried fixing the problem, but nothing has worked so far.
The BMC removes thousands of kilograms of dead fish and waste from Banganga Tank annually.
The issue is linked to religious offerings during the Pitru Paksha period.
The tank, a heritage site, houses over 200 fish species.
Authorities have attempted to install aerators and pumps to increase oxygen, but fish deaths persist.
Responsibility for the tank is split between the State Archaeology Department and the GSB Trust.
- Who
- BMC, GSB Trust, State Archaeology Department
- What
- Fish deaths and waste removal at Banganga Tank.
- When
- Annually, during and after Pitru Paksha
- Where
- Banganga Tank, Mumbai.
- Why
- Offerings during Pitru Paksha pollute the water, reducing oxygen and harming fish.
Trust & Devotees
BMC & Environmentalists
Religious Practices vs. Environment
Trust & Devotees
GSB Trust and devotees practice religious rituals, like offerings, in the tank.
BMC & Environmentalists
BMC and environmentalists are concerned about the environmental impact of these rituals.
- Location
- Walkeshwar, Mumbai
- Tank Origin
- 12th century
- Fish Deaths
- 10,000 kg removed (Sept 2023)
- Cause
- Offerings during Pitru Paksha
- Tank Management
- GSB Trust
- Heritage Status
- Protected by State Archaeology