Leakage from petrol bunk contaminated well water at Kanekere, say officials

Mangaluru: Following media reports on contamination of well water at Kanekere area of Deralakatte and suspicions raised by locals that a leakage in a nearby petrol bunk was the reason for contamination of the water, officials conducted an inspection of the said petrol bunk.

The findings of the inspection, conducted on November 17 has confirmed people’s doubts about the leakage. During the initial inspection undertaken at the petrol bunk, officials were unable to trace any clues for the leakage whereafter on Saturday officials emptied the diesel and petrol tanks at the bunk and filled it with water. Later when the tank was checked for any leakage in the presence of Karnataka Pollution Control Board officials it was found that the water levels had dipped down. A  test was also conducted, with the help of compressor to check if the water-level had dipped due to evaporation and it was confirmed that the dip was due to leakage.

Meanwhile, officials of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd are expected to visit the bunk today(Tuesday) and file a report about this finding. The company has been asked to address the problem and ensure that the leak is stopped. 

It may be recalled that water at nearly four wells in the area had turned combustible after getting contaminated with water. Once the leakage problem is resolved, water in the wells, currently sealed by the grama panchayat, would be emptied and fresh water will be tested for oil contamination.