Last Updated:
Residents expecting water from their wells were left stunned after a diesel-like substance began surfacing instead, triggering fears of groundwater contamination in Mangaluru
The biggest question troubling residents is where such a large quantity of diesel could be coming from. (AI Generated)
During summer, many people often struggle to get even a bucket of drinking water from household wells. But in a shocking incident reported from Kavoor, Mangalore, residents say their wells are producing not just water, but petroleum substances resembling pure diesel.
The unusual discovery has created panic and concern in the locality after diesel-like contamination was reportedly found in the wells of three houses in the area.
Diesel Floating On Water?
According to residents, the wells were dug in 2022 and had never shown any problems until recently. However, over the past few days, people have begun noticing a thick, oily layer floating on the water.
Locals claim that when the water is emptied and touched, a chemical substance sticks to the skin, making the water unsafe not only for drinking but even for regular household use. Residents also alleged that the diesel concentration appears so high that paper dipped into the contaminated water catches fire instantly when lit.
The strange incident has left homeowners stunned and worried.
Suspicion Falls On Nearby Petrol Bunk
The biggest question troubling residents is where such a large quantity of diesel could be coming from.
A petrol bunk is located close to the affected houses, and locals suspect that petroleum may be leaking from underground storage tanks at the facility. Since groundwater levels are low during summer, residents believe leaked fuel could be seeping through the soil and entering the wells.
According to locals, even after completely emptying the wells, oil-like substances continue to seep in from below, raising fears of ongoing groundwater contamination.
Petrol Bunk Owners Deny Leak Allegations
However, the owners of the nearby petrol station have denied the allegations. They claim there has been no discrepancy in their fuel stock levels and insist there is no evidence of leakage from their underground tanks.
Following complaints by residents, the matter was reported to the health department of the Mangaluru City Corporation, which later referred the issue to the district health department. Officials from the District Health Officer’s office collected water samples from the affected wells and stated that a detailed report would be submitted to the corporation after testing is completed.
According to findings from National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), the contaminated water is not fit for drinking.
Fears Of Wider Groundwater Contamination
Residents now fear that petroleum chemicals may have already mixed with groundwater in the wider Kavoor region. There is growing concern that if immediate action is not taken, well water in more parts of the area could become toxic in the coming days.
Locals are urging senior authorities to intervene quickly and investigate the source of the contamination before the situation worsens further.
Mangalore, India, India
Read More
