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Sukhna Lake Fish Deaths Linked to Oil Spill and Low Oxygen
12 Feb
Summary
- Oil spillage and low dissolved oxygen caused fish mortality.
- Water samples showed elevated oil & grease and reduced oxygen levels.
- Recommendations include maintaining water levels and removing vegetation.
Two allied reports confirm that an oil spillage along the southern shore of Sukhna Lake, followed by low levels of dissolved oxygen, led to widespread fish mortality last month. Samples of water and dead fish, collected on January 16, 2026, revealed the primary causes. The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) detected 2.8 mg/L of oil and grease, confirming surface water contamination.
Further analysis by the Fish & Fisheries Laboratory of Panjab University indicated that the dead fish experienced acute environmental stress due to hypoxia. Dissolved oxygen levels were found to be 3.92 mg/L, below the permissible limit of 4-5 mg/L, while free carbon dioxide was elevated. The report attributed these conditions to organic pollution and stagnation common in urban lakes.
Recommendations to the UT administration focus on creating a sustainable environment for aquatic life. Key suggestions include maintaining stable water levels, mechanical or manual removal of dead and decaying vegetation to prevent oxygen depletion, and phased desilting to eliminate nutrient-rich sediments. These measures aim to improve water depth and minimize the risk of eutrophication and further fish deaths.
