Pics: Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Nov 20: In connection with the water of some wells at Kanekere near Deralakatte turning unusable after getting mixed with highly combustible oil-like material, doubts had arisen that a petrol bunk functioning at a higher altitude in the area could be the culprit. The officials who inspected the bunk had later reported that the bunk was not to blame.
Now, the officials of the department of environment, who checked the tank of the petrol bunk once again on Monday November 19, have prima facie concluded that the oil in fact was the result of the seepage from the bunk's tank.
Officials of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd are expected to visit the bunk today and file a report about this finding. On Saturday, the officials had got the diesel and petrol tanks of the bunk emptied and filled it with water. When the tank was reopened in the presence of the officials of Karnataka Pollution Control Board, it was found that water level had gone down. Initially it was thought that the lower water level was on account evaporation. However, when the tanks were tested with the help of compressor, the officials found that there was in fact leakage in one of the tanks.
Official of the board, Jayaprakash Nayak, said that Indian Oil Corporation has been asked to replace the leaking tank and take further steps as necessary to ensure that leakage is stopped.
After oily substance was found in three wells at Kanekere two weeks back, the people in the area were tensed as the origin of the contamination could not be determined. During the checking of the petrol bunk, the officials did not come across any clue that leakage was happening there. The petrol bunk was asked to shut down trading for a day to determine the source of the contamination. The bunk management also said their stock of oil tallies and there was no leakage. The officials who checked the level of petrol and diesel also did not have any reason to doubt that the leak could be from the bunk.
Once leakage is plugged, water from the wells which were sealed by the grama panchayat, would be emptied and fresh water will be tested for oil contamination, it is gathered.