Fishing in Kukkarahalli Lake comes under fire from environmentalists

Mysuru: The University of Mysuru has drawn flak for allowing

fishing

at

Kukkarahalli Lake

, with birders and

environmentalists

urging a stop to fishing there as fishermen are disturbing migratory birds during the breeding season. After many days, fishing began at the lake earlier this week.

Kukkarahalli Lake, located in the heart of the city, is an Important Bird Area (IBA) listed by the premier Bombay Natural History Society. There are over 170 species of birds recorded here. During the breeding and migratory birds’ season, at least 80 species can be spotted. Even during summer and the off-season, at least 40 varieties can be seen.

This February, there are birds like pelicans, Painted Storks and Grey Herons which are nesting and laying eggs. There are also Pintails and Shawlers which feed on algae. This is the peak time when birds go in search of food. Usually, they’re shy creatures and find it difficult to fetch food.

Over a a week, fishermen in over 15 coracles have come down to the lake and have set up nets disturbing the birds. Fishermen arrive early and

fish

up till evening. Ever since fishing started, birds are slowly disappearing, birders said.

The University of Mysore is the lake’s custodian and restrict fishing to summer. Until March-end, migratory birds visit the lake. When birds feed their young ones, they need to find food and fishing disturbs this activity. “We may not see them from next year,” a birder told TOI.

Fishing is necessary in the lake as the department of fisheries put seeds in the lake and after fish grow, they’re caught. When there’s an increase in the number of fish in the lake, it poses a threat to the water body. The varsity has to fix a time period for fishing. They should make sure they don’t hamper the birds. Besides, the department can put seeds of those fish which are consumed by birds. This way, both winged creatures and the fisheries department will benefit, birders added.

Birders and environmentalists also slammed the university for drawing water from the lake for gardening. More than 60% of water is drawn from Kukkarahalli Lake to water plants and trees. This could scarcity of water in summer. The University of Mysore should show concern for flora and fauna of the lake. Kukkarahalli Lake is an important bird area and also a hub of writers and artists. It attracts joggers and fitness enthusiasts as it provides a healthy and conducive environment. “Kukkarahalli Lake should not become like lakes in Bengaluru,” a bird photographer told TOI.

Varsity registrar Prof R Rajanna said Kukkarahalli Lake comes under it but fishing is conducted by the state fisheries department. “They not only give a tender to fish in Kukkarahalli Lake but many lakes across the state. The university gets Rs 7.5 lakh from fishing. We’re not the decision makers,” he added.