Hundreds of fish were found dead floating in Kolhapur's Rankala Lake on Monday morning, triggering allegations of severe water pollution and official apathy toward the lake's conservation.
Rankala Lake, one of Kolhapur's major tourist attractions that draws thousands of visitors daily, is currently the focus of beautification plans, including the proposed installation of a musical fountain by the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC). Activists, however, allege that civic authorities have prioritised tourism-driven projects over addressing pollution in the lake.
Activists Demand Immediate Action
Activists have demanded that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and KMC officials immediately inspect the site, collect water samples, and take corrective measures to prevent further pollution. They claim repeated complaints about contamination have gone unaddressed.
Abhijeet Chougale, a member of the Rankala Protection and Conservation Group, said untreated sewage from the Sham Society nullah continues to enter the lake, leading to algae growth and a sharp drop in oxygen levels. "KMC's focus is on beautification for tourism, not conservation. Due to water pollution, thousands of fish have died," he said, also calling for a ban on washing vehicles near the lake.
Public Concerns and Economic Impact
Echoing concerns, regular morning walker Amit Modi said a foul smell had spread across the Rajghat and Sandyamath areas on Monday. He warned that continued neglect could harm livelihoods, as lakhs of tourists visit Rankala Lake annually and many local businesses depend on it.
KMC Response
Responding to the incident, a KMC official, on condition of anonymity, said the lake would be inspected soon, and manpower would be deployed to remove the dead fish. "Strict action will be taken against those responsible for polluting Rankala Lake," the official said.
