Flames engulf pond in Gauribidanur taluk, triggers panic

Chikkaballapur: Residents of Barjanakunte village in Gauribidanur taluk were in for a scare as dense smoke billowed out of a pond located in the village outskirts for over half an hour on Wednesday morning.

Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the spot and extinguished the flames.

Village residents alleged that presence of chemical pollutants, being dumped into the water body by factories during night hours may have caused the fire and demanded action against the culprits. 

They further complained that few of their livestock had died after consuming the polluted water from the pond a few days ago and expressed fear over the health hazards it poses for the people.