Mumbai, Oct 5 (PTI) Hundreds of dead fish were found floating in the historic Banganga Tank in south Mumbai, allegedly after offerings were immersed there during the ongoing ‘Pitru Paksha’ period, prompting the civic body to clean the site and protect the remaining aquatic life.
A senior official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s ‘D’ ward on Monday said the process of removing ‘Nirmalya’ or offerings from the water had begun.
An expert was also called in to inspect the water and suggest measures to increase oxygen levels and prevent further damage to the aquatic life in the tank, he added.
Fish deaths in the Banganga Tank have become an annual concern, including during Pitru Paksha last year.
Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period during which Hindus perform rituals to honour their ancestors, is being observed from September 26 to October 10 this year.
The tank, located in Walkeshwar, is part of the historic Banganga complex and is a protected heritage structure.
According to mythology, Lord Ram is believed to have performed ‘pind daan’, a funerary ritual for ancestors, at the site.
The name Walkeshwar is associated with the Sanskrit words “Valuka” (sand) and “Ishwar” (Lord), and is linked to the legend of a sand Shiva lingam at the site. PTI KK BNM
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