Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Mar 10: A fire that broke out accidentally on Monday near an open well at a stone quarry, the main source of drinking water for residents of Hakladi, Kundabarandadi and Nujadi villages under Hakladi gram panchayat limits, caused significant damage.

The blaze destroyed the electric motor; electrical equipment and several key pipelines connected to the well those supplies drinking water to the three villages. The loss due to the incident is estimated to be around Rs 7 lac.

In addition, several acres of vegetation and trees in the surrounding area were also reduced to ashes in the fire.

Personnel from the fire stations in Kundapur and Byndoor rushed to the spot and carried out firefighting operations. Local residents and panchayat staff also assisted in controlling the blaze.

Due to the damage caused by the fire, drinking water supply to Hakladi, Kundabarandadi and Nujadi villages is likely to be affected. The destruction of the electric motor, electrical equipment and major pipelines has disrupted the water supply system.

Officials said the gram panchayat currently does not have sufficient funds to immediately repair the damaged infrastructure.

With summer already setting in and nearly 80 per cent of residents under Hakladi gram panchayat depending on this source for drinking water, the disruption has caused concern among villagers.

The Hakladi gram panchayat has appealed to the district administration to provide emergency assistance and financial support to restore the water supply system at the earliest.