Six wells turn black, flammable in Karnataka village; probe on
Sirci : Residents of Omkara Nagar in Dodnalli village of Sirsi taluk in Uttara Kannada district are facing an unusual and alarming water contamination problem, with water in around six wells reportedly turning black and catching fire when exposed to a flame. Villagers said an oily layer had formed on the surface of the well water, which also emits a smell similar to petrol or diesel. In a disturbing demonstration, a piece of paper dipped in the water reportedly caught fire when a matchstick was applied. Residents said the problem persisted even after the wells were emptied, as oil-contaminated water continued to seep back in. The development has raised serious concerns among families who depend on these wells for their daily water requirements. After noticing the contamination, residents alerted gram panchayat officials, who visited the locality and confirmed the presence of an oily substance on the water surface. Water samples from the affected wells have been collecte...