Chandrapur: The water in Amalnala dam at the foothills of Manikgarh hillock has turned dark green in the last couple of days. While people of surrounding villages are in awe of the sight, the administration has moved in to investigate whether it poses any threat to humans, cattle and aquatic life.
The dam is located close of Gadchandur in Korpana tehsil. The medium-scale irrigation dam is also a source of water for surrounding villages, local industries. It is also a well-known tourist spot.
According to local people, the water is stinking and its viscosity too has increased.
Korpana tehsildar has issued orders to collect the water sample for laboratory examination. Guardian minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has directed the district collector to get the water tested with the help of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri).
Local people and fishermen have been directed to avoid use of water and also to keep their cattle away. Farmers too are also worried whether the water could damage their crops.
Environmentalist professor Suresh Chopne explained that the
water turns green after excessive growth of single cell algae due to rise in nitrates and phosphate levels in water. He claimed that nitrates and phosphates used in chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture fields could have been washed down with rainwater into the dam.
