Mangaluru: Residents living along stretches of the Gurupura River near Kenjar and downstream of the Maravoor vented dam have begun getting their well water tested following the recent mass fish deaths reported in the area.Water samples from nearly 52 households in Thokur have been collected so far, with results expected in a week, the Aranya, Parisara Mattu Havamana Badalavane Sangha (Society for forest, environment and climate change) said.The society’s secretary, Benedict Fernandes, told TOI that residents can now seek environmental compensation free of cost. “All they need to do is submit a request letter to their local primary health centre (PHC) and obtain a water analysis report,” he said, adding that the society has filed a petition against the Mangaluru City Corporation over the pollution of water bodies, especially wells.According to Fernandes, more households have shown interest in getting their wells examined. “Since the reports are issued by PHCs, they are authentic and reliable,” he said.Regarding the fish death incident, Fernandes said preliminary findings by the KSPCB suggest a malfunction at the Panchanady sewage treatment plant (STP). Samples have also been collected from the spot where fish were found dead. Residents have been advised to check their water analysis reports for the presence of E. coli bacteria, which indicates faecal contamination.Fernandes said the underground drainage (UGD) system has failed in several areas, making well water testing critical for residents who depend on groundwater.He also underlined the importance of conserving wells as the city experiences the effects of climate change. “If water supply from Thumbe is disrupted, the city may have to depend on local water sources, including wells. With forecasts warning that El Nino conditions could affect rainfall across large parts of the country from Aug onwards, protecting our existing water sources has become crucial,” he added.
