Pics: Abhijith Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru May 18: District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai, MLA Abhayachandra Jain and deputy commissioner (DC) Dr K G Jagadeesh paid visit to the Malavoor dam here on Thursday May 18, where the water turned blackish and poisonous with several fish dying, due to suspected discharge of effluents from the nearby industrial area.
Addressing the media, Ramanath Rai said, "This is an unfortunate incident as fish were found dead due to the discharge of polluted water. The water here turned blackish and poisonous. I have ordered pollution control board officials, district administration to look into the matter and find out from where this effluent water was discharged. Within 3 to 4 days, pollution control board will come out with the report and notice will be issued to the industries that discharged the untreated water into the river,”
“We will also have discussion regarding the remedial measures to purify the water. This is for the first time that water has polluted to such an extent. The residents here are having difficult times and also there is foul smell in the surroundings. Scientists from Fisheries College will take the water samples and find out the reason." he added.
DC Dr K G Jagadeesh said, "This is the first multi-village drinking water project in Dakshina Kannada district, aimed at supplying water to about 14 surrounding villages. While the water has been contaminated at the downstream, on the other side of the dam there is drinking water which has not been polluted. Water has been tested before it gets supplied for drinking purpose and as of now the value of that water is normal. We will hold a meeting regard to this and stringent action will be taken against such industries for discharging untreated water into the river".
Ramanath Rai had inaugurated the Malavoor dam on April 18. The project was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 42.5 crore to ensure drinking water to a population of 56,000 in 14 villages.
The villages that will be benefitted are, Bajpe, Jokatte, Malavoor, Kenjaru, Permude, Kuthethoor, Moodushedde, Padushedde, Thenka Yekkar, Badaga Yekkar, Bala, Kalavara, Soorinje and Delanthabettu.