PANJIM: The ghosts of 2011 have returned to haunt Panjim’s historic Mala Lake. Fifteen years after a devastating ecological collapse first shocked the capital; a massive and sudden die-off of aquatic life has once again turned the water body into a floating graveyard, exposing the fragile state of the city’s urban conservation efforts.
A shocking incident reported on Saturday morning has triggered panic among residents and raised serious environmental concerns.
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According to locals, large number of fish was found dead and floating on the surface of the lake. The incident came as a surprise, especially since the lake reportedly had healthy fish activity just a day earlier, with several residents enjoying fishing on Friday night.
Residents said that fishing activity continued late into the night, but by morning, a large number of fish had died under mysterious circumstances, creating a disturbing scene around the water body. The sudden change has led to fears of water contamination, oxygen depletion, or possible human interference.
Some locals have even alleged foul play, suspecting that the lake may have been deliberately poisoned. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the cause and are expected to carry out a detailed scientific investigation.
The latest incident has also brought back memories of a similar incident at Mala Lake in 2011, when a large number of fish were found dead under comparable circumstances. At that time, preliminary findings had pointed to low oxygen levels in the water, likely caused by pollution and poor water circulation.
The incident has added to concerns about recurring ecological issues affecting the lake.
Expressing concern, local resident Datta Palekar said, “This is our Mala Lake. There were many fish here, and people regularly come to fish. Even yesterday, fishing took place, but today the fish were found dead. Good and popular varieties have suddenly died. Fish cannot die like this. Something must have happened, and it needs to be investigated.”
He further urged authorities to take immediate action, stating that the Fisheries Department should conduct a thorough inspection of the lake.
Avertino Miranda, convenor of the Goa Green Brigade, said, “Rampant construction and dumping of debris and other toxic material is the likely cause as the Corporation of the city of Panaji (CCP) and the Goa Government have failed to protect our natural resources including the eco-sensitive and CRZ and water bodies. The government must conduct forensic tests on the cause of such large-scale death of fishes and reveal the outcome to the public. Besides, the government must immediately undertake restoration measures on a warfooting to make this Mala Lake habitable to marine life.”
Citizens have called on authorities to urgently test the water quality, identify the cause, and implement preventive measures to protect aquatic life and public health. The incident has once again highlighted the need for stricter environmental monitoring and sustainable management of urban water bodies.
Further updates are awaited as officials begin their investigation.
Despite follow-up inspections and discussions on improving the lake’s maintenance, residents say long-term solutions were never fully implemented. Over the years, concerns about waste accumulation, water quality, and lack of regular monitoring have persisted.
With history seemingly repeating itself, locals are now demanding not just an inquiry into the immediate cause of the fish deaths, but also a sustainable, long-term plan to protect and restore the lake’s fragile ecosystem.
When contacted by O Heraldo, Levinson Martins, Goa State Pollution Control Board chairman said, “I am aware of the incident and have instructed my officials to visit the site and carry out inspection.”
