Jurala Reservoir Water Turns Foul Green, Sparks Alarm

Concerns are mounting over the Priyadarshini Jurala reservoir's water turning a dark green hue with a foul odor five days ago, sparking alarm among local communities. Officials have initiated an investigation into the cause of this mysterious discoloration, which has already led to a significant fish die-off. The rural water supply department was forced to halt its daily supply to 308 villages and four municipalities, including Gadwal, as a precautionary measure.

Initial tests conducted by the department ruled out bacterial contamination, including E. coli. While algae blooms are common in summer, officials suspect contamination may be originating from upstream areas. Residents and fishermen point to potential industrial effluents from Karnataka's Raichur industrial belt as a likely source, raising fears of untreated waste entering the river. This has led to skin problems for fishermen and broader concerns about the impact on fish populations and the local fishing economy.

Farmers dependent on the reservoir for irrigation are also apprehensive about the potential effects on their crops. The reservoir's altered state has also affected tourism, with visitors complaining about the smell and visible changes. Irrigation officials are considering stagnant flow and waste from recent festivities and fish ponds as contributing factors. Authorities are urged to conduct further scientific tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the discoloration.