Mysuru: Thousands of  fishes were found dead in Hebbal Lake in the City. Dead fish have been floating since the past three days, sparking fear among locals who are also forced to bear the stench of rotting fish.

The fish have accumulated at the Lakeside, possibly an adverse effect of chemicals, effluents and pesticides
dumped into the Lake from nearby industries. After the stench became unbearable, activists, morning and
evening walkers and residents alerted the media. The 54-acre Hebbal Lake was given a new lease of life by the Infosys Foundation by spending Rs. 105 Crore two years ago. The Foundation tied up with the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and incorporated various works and technologies including the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), which fully recycles sewage before letting it to the Lake. After the rejuvenation, the Lake was also pristine picnic spot, where families descended daily and on weekends to enjoy lush green surroundings.

Residents said that the fish died due to the dip in oxygen level in the lake water owing to the effect of pesticide and effluents that were dumped in the lake by industries. Though the effluent-mixed water is treated at six STPs before being let into the Lake, only a small portion of treated water enters the lake while the large portion is industrial waste. Some Underground Drainage (UGD) pipes have directly been connected to the lake.