Bird-lovers criticise decision to allow fishing in Lalbagh

Bird-lovers criticise decision to allow fishing in Lalbagh
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Even before fishing could be allowed in Lalbagh, bird lovers have opposed the department’s move, claiming that the sport might affect the rich bird population in the century-old garden.

Fishing will cause major damage to the birdlife and the ecology of the 36-acre water body, fear ornithologists.

Currently, there are various species of birds found in Lalbagh, including spot-billed pelicans and darters. ”Angling will cause damage to the birds which depend on water, because the carelessly discarded nylon strings used for angling will strangle the birds if they are caught in it”, said K S Sheshadri, an ornithologist.

Past experience has proved that the fish sustain injuries in the process of capturing them and releasing them back into the water. Also, on ethical grounds the activity of anglers will cause the fish immense physical stress and also lead to their death in due course of time, he added.

If anglers release the fish back into the water, how can the fish population be controlled? The dead fish start to rot and the whole lake will stink. The birds are very sensitive to the changes and disturbances and they will go away once and for all.

However, Dr Vasanth Kumar, Director, Horticulture Department, clarified that angling will not affect birdlife in Lalbagh.

“We have taken many initiatives to protect aqua-life, on which birds are dependent. We do not allow boating inside the lake and removal of extra weeds and diversion of sewage has been completely stopped. The angling charges will remain high (Rs 300 per session), so that only genuine anglers come in”, he said.