BMC calls for meeting with residents over death of fishes in Banganga tank

As hundreds of fish were found dead in the historic Banganga Tank in Mumbai’s Walkeshwar, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to hold a meeting with local residents and priests this week.

BMC has to step to discuss the measures to prevent death of fishes in the tank as the deaths has become a yearly concern. According to BMC official, around same time every year, Ban Ganga tank, which was built in was built in AD 1127, has seen death of fishes. 

“During Pitru Paksha started from September 26, people who pay homage to their ancestors pour slurry from flour and milk in the water affecting fishes,” said BMC official, adding that this has become an annual problem. 

Pitru Paksha ends on October 10. In 2025, similar issue appeared when hundreds of fishes were found dead near the shore of the heritage water body controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). At that time, BMC removed around 10,000 kg of dead fish and floral waste. Banganga is assumed to be creation of Lord Rama as a tributary of the Ganga at the site by shooting an arrow into the ground. 

This time, BMC has called meeting of residents and priest to create awareness around the deaths due to water pollution causing reduction in oxygen and affecting marine line. 

The meeting will be conducted in D ward office and the agent his to focus on explaining the priest importance of protecting the freshwater aquatic ecosystem and how to do it. 

Last year, BMC installed collection bins at the site for floral waste and food, and initiated cleaning drives.