Thousands of fish die in Mumbai temple tank, locals blame pind daan ritual

Thousands of fish have died at the historic and sacred Banganga Tank in South Mumbai during an annual ritual, raising concerns over water quality and pollution in the heritage water body.The fish deaths have resulted in a strong foul smell in the Malabar Hill area and prompted concern among local residents and environmentalists over the deteriorating condition of the tank.Locals have alleged that large-scale pind daan rituals conducted during pitru paksha, which began on September 26, may have contributed to the pollution.Residents and local priests said fish deaths have been reported in the tank in previous years as well, but usually towards the end of the pitru paksha fortnight. This year, however, the deaths have been reported within 10 days of the rituals beginning. Locals have raised concerns that the disposal of food and other offerings into the tank could increase pollution levels and reduce the oxygen content of the water, potentially resulting in the death of different varieties of fish.However, residents and priests also said the fish deaths could possibly be linked to the heatwave in the area. Priest Sevalal Tiwari, who has been conducting puja at Banganga for several years, said priests performing pind daan rituals do not dispose of ritual materials in the tank. According to him, the water is touched three times during the ritual, after which the materials are placed in drums kept outside the tank.Tiwari, however, said some people who perform the rituals on their own sometimes dispose of the material in the water.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has called a meeting with local residents and priests to discuss the fish deaths and measures to prevent further damage to the tank's aquatic ecosystem. Residents and local priests attended a meeting with BMC officials on Monday to discuss the issue.Local resident Bharat Gurav said fish deaths occur every year, but this year's deaths have occurred earlier than usual. He said he was working with the BMC to help clear the dead fish from the tank.The Banganga Tank is considered a sacred site by Hindus and is associated with the Ramayana. According to the legend associated with the tank, Lord Rama, while travelling towards Lanka to rescue Sita, became thirsty and asked Lakshmana to fetch water. Lakshmana is believed to have shot an arrow into the ground at the spot, striking an underground stream of the Ganga and leading to the formation of the tank, which came to be known as Banganga.The tank is also associated with Parshuram, regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hindu sacred traditions.- Ends