Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Growing concern over large-scale fish deaths in Mala Lake has led authorities to identify sewage inflow as a major factor behind the pollution. CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate said untreated waste entering the lake has significantly impacted water quality, with similar issues also reported in St Inez Creek.
Calling the situation a potential public health risk, Monserrate announced that a joint meeting of all relevant departments will be held on April 15 to plan a long-term and effective solution. He stressed the importance of a coordinated approach to prevent further environmental damage.
After the sudden fish mortality, officials from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) carried out an inspection at the site on Saturday evening. Water and fish samples were collected and sent to the Board’s laboratory in Saligao for detailed analysis.
Officials stated that the exact cause will be confirmed only after scientific testing is completed. However, initial observations suggest that a drop in dissolved oxygen levels may have caused the fish deaths. This could be linked to organic pollution, algal blooms, or the entry of untreated sewage into the lake.
Residents in the area also reported a strong foul odour from the water, indicating deteriorating conditions.
Mala Lake, which covers around 16,000 square metres, was once part of the floodplains of the Rio de Ourem. Over the years, land reclamation and development disrupted its natural flow, making it more vulnerable to stagnation and pollution. Despite earlier efforts, including a ₹5 crore beautification project in 2004 and its inclusion under the Smart City Mission, the lake continues to face persistent ecological challenges.
