Kanpur: The zoo management is on high alert after the incidents of a large number of fish dying in the historic lake of Kanpur zoo.Over the past month, there have been two incidents of fish deaths in the lake. The zoo administration has requested an expert team from Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU) to conduct water testing to ascertain the cause of the fish fatalities.A senior official from the zoo said that a letter was dispatched to HBTU last week for the analysis of water samples, and a reminder was subsequently sent on Wednesday. The investigation report will be available within the next three to four days, said HBTU experts.The investigation aims to identify the type of toxic substances or heavy metals entering the lake from adjacent drains, causing a sudden decrease in the oxygen levels of the water. Following the receipt of the report, definitive measures will be implemented for further action.Meanwhile, several essential steps are being undertaken to protect the fish and purify the water. To sustain the oxygen levels, ‘O2 Max’ medication is being administered, while ‘Toximar’ is being utilised to mitigate the impact of toxic elements.Efforts to clean the lake are also being pursued vigorously. Two boats have been assigned to assist with the cleaning operations.Specially designed large iron hooks and claws have been fabricated to extract unwanted aquatic vegetation and debris from the water and allow sunlight and air to penetrate the water, thereby keeping it clean.
