Dharmapuri I Stench from overhead tank in Pennagaram school sparks rumors; water samples sent for analysis.
Dharmapuri I Stench from overhead tank in Pennagaram school sparks rumors; water samples sent for analysis
Water samples from the overhead tank of a toilet in a middle school in Pennagaram were sent for analysis after rumors of human excreta in the water. A teacher noticed a stench coming from the tank and reported it to the school headmaster. The tank was found open without a lid and the water was turbid. It was discovered that the tank had been cleaned the previous day, but the lid was apparently forgotten to be closed.
Investigation and Precautionary Measures
The authorities dismissed the rumors, but as a precautionary measure, water samples were sent to Chennai for analysis. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, District Education Officer, and Block Education Officer were also informed. The school had three water tanks – one for cooking food, one for drinking water, and one for the toilet. The tank in question was supplied by the panchayat from the Hogenakkal water project. The incident occurred because the lid of the tank was left open after it was cleaned.
