Mangaluru: The newly constructed Maravoor Dam near Bajpe has turned black and has affected the marine life here.

Locals suspect that untreated water and other wastage from MRPL and Baikampady industrial area was being released into the river. The locals also complained saying similar incidents have happened in the past and no proper measures have been taken to prevent the damage.

Speaking to media, a resident complained of his cattle found dead after consuming the filthy water. “Even the health department has taken water samples and said that this water is not suitable for drinking. When my cattle died, blood samples were taken to the lab, but there is no proper system to ascertain whether the waste water released by MRPL caused their death. So the samples have been sent to Mysuru lab and we are yet to recieve the report. During the last two days myriad fish, crabs and other creatures have been found dead,” he said.

A lot of filth has been accumulated near the dam and dead fishes have been spotted by the anglers who regularly do fishing activities by the river.

The dam was recently inaugurated by Ramanath Rai in the month of April. The project was to provide drinking water to 14 villages including Bajpe, Jokatte, Malavoor, Kenjar, Permude, Kutthethur, Moodushedde, Padushedde, Thenka Ekkar, Badaga Ekkar, Bala, Kalavar, Soorinje and Delanthabettu.