The historic Banganga Tank at Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill, has been barricaded to prevent devotees from entering its waters for ritual offerings during the final days of Pitru Paksha. The temporary barricading was put up on Thursday night, civic officials said. The move follows the death of large numbers of fish at the tank on October 3, with the fish surfacing after oxygen levels in the water allegedly dropped due to ritual offerings. Ward officials, residents, public representatives and priests who conduct rituals at the tank met on October 5 to discuss the issue and possible measures to prevent further damage to the water body.

“This will be the first time direct immersion in the tank’s water has been barred, with the tank barricaded. Devotees will use alternative methods, preserving faith and the environment at the same time,” said Sunny Sanap, the area’s public representative.