Bengaluru:  Around 400 – 500 fish choked to death in a pond that dots the Cubbon park landscape. pread over an acre and located in front of Bal Bhavan, it’s the only pond in the park.

Walkers on their morning walk, were shocked at the sight! and alleged that the department has failed to maintain the pond, with polluted water and waste material being constantly dumped there.

The horticulture department, custodian of the park, admitted that 400-500 fish choked to death in the water body.

S Umesh, advocate and president, Cubbon Park Walkers Association, blamed the deaths on the pond’s ill-maintenance. “It lacks security and all kinds of things are seen floating on it. Several inlets to the pond are breached and whenever it rains, sewage flows inside. This is posing a major threat to aquatic life,” he added.

Soon after the news spread, workers from the horticulture department jumped into action and cleared the dead fish. “We buried them. The fish population has been facing problems for sometime”, said a labourer.

Deputy director of the horticulture department, Mahantesh Murgod, ruled out foul play. “Depleted oxygen level in the pond following rain has led to the deaths. Muddy water that has entered the water body is causing breathing problems among fish. This has happened in the past also but the numbers are high% this time. As far as cleanliness of the pond is concerned, we are taking steps to create public awareness% and trying to ensure the area is kept clean,” he added.