Mass death of monkeys in dilapidated water tank; villagers express concern

Wadi: Nearly 30 monkeys died of suffocation after falling into a dilapidated overhead water tank located in Chittapur taluk’s Halakarti village here. The residents fear an epidemic due to the mass death of the monkeys.

The water tank, located in the center of the gram panchayat has not been in use for over five to six years now as it has reached a point of collapse. Reportedly around 40 simians had ventured into the tank to quench their thirst but 30 of them met with an unfortunate death. The incident came to light when villagers decided to check the foul smell emanating from the tank.

A few monkeys that were still alive were rescued by the village youths by lowering ropes into the tank.

Villagers have expressed outrage against the gram panchayat officials for failing to take measures citing that the water tank poses a safety threat as it can collapse anytime. They claimed that four years ago, a water tank collapsed in the yard of a private school due to the negligence of the officials. Luckily there were no casualties in the incident.

Pointing out that this water tank can also collapse at any time, villagers alleged that the officials are not bothered.

Further, it is said that though there is a risk of an epidemic due to the mass death of the monkeys, the gram panchayat is not doing anything in this regard.