Mangalore : The residents of Jappinamogaru found a large number of dead fish floating in Karmbikere pond located at Jeppina Mogaru (Ward 54) on May 6, Tuesday.

According to the residents, the release of contaminated water from the drainage released to the pond through the pipeline is the reason for the death of fishes. They also said that the recent cases of malaria and dengue have been also reported in the past, due to this. The death of fish was seen on May 7, Wednesday too.

Although the corporation on demands of the residents had spent the amount of Rs 25 lakhs to renovate the pond, but the internal clash between MCC Commissioner Ajith Kumar Hegde and MLA J R Lobo has made the officials to neglect the repair of pond.

According to Chittaranjan, a resident said that it was the duty of MCC to preserve the pond, which has its own history. Earlier the resident had advised the MCC to reopen a water stream connecting to river Netravati, which was been closed by the goons of land mafia, but they ignored it and drew a pipelines to the pond.

On March 7, a complaint was also filed with MCC commissioner, but no action was taken in this regard. Apart from the pond water, the nearby wells were also contaminated due to the drain water being accumulated in the pond.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA J R Lobo said that it was the duty of MCC commissioner to take stringent action to solve the problem and order the officials to work on it.

Lobo who is on his official tour to Shimoga assured to visit the place after he returns back and work on it.

Ward corporator Surendra also blamed the MCC for putting the demands on hold the residents. He also said that during the term of Yogish Bhat as MLA, MCC had sanctioned Rs 25 lakhs for the pond rejuvenation and the MCC officials this year has visited the spot three times but never took any initiative to clean up the pond.