Due to low dissolved oxygen levels in Lake Pichola, fish have begun dying again. Thousands of dead fish were spotted floating near the old Dhobi Ghat behind the cemetery, in front of the Brahmpol Gate. This alarming situation has raised concerns among local residents and environmentalists.

Pollution Control Board's Findings

The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) released a report four days ago based on water samples taken from various locations in the lake. The investigation analyzed 20 parameters, highlighting that the dissolved oxygen levels did not meet the required standard of 5 milligrams per liter. This deficiency poses a significant risk to both fish and wildlife in the area.

Public Health Concerns

The water from Lake Pichola is supplied to a large area of the city by the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) for household use. The low oxygen levels in the water raise concerns about potential health impacts on residents.

Tejashankar Paliwal, a local lake enthusiast, reported that while walking along the lake, he observed many dead fish. Although he could not remove all of them, he made an effort to take out as many as possible.

Vegetation and Sewage Issues

Paliwal pointed out that there is excessive vegetation in the lake, which is now decaying. The dense aquatic plants prevent sunlight from reaching the water's surface, threatening fish and other aquatic life. Additionally, sewage from most parts of the old city is flowing directly into the lake, worsening the situation.

Expert Opinion

Dr. Lakhan Poswal, former principal of RNT Medical College, noted that while low dissolved oxygen levels may not significantly affect human health, they are critical for aquatic life, which absorbs oxygen through their skin. The deficiency can be life-threatening for these creatures.

Response from Officials

Sharad Saxena, Regional Officer of the Pollution Control Board, stated that following public complaints, JSO Aastha Sharma collected water samples from different areas of the lake. The report confirmed the deficiencies affecting aquatic life.

Vimal Sisodia, XEN-1 of PHED, added that there should not be any bacteria in the water, which is why they add chlorine. However, the department does not manage the oxygen levels in the water.