Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur

Puttur, July 10: In a disturbing incident from Ajjikallu Government Higher Primary School in Olamogru village of Puttur taluk, students developed skin irritation after coming into contact with water from a school tank that had mysteriously turned blue on Wednesday morning.

Sources reported that the water, typically drawn from a borewell and used for washing and toileting, appeared visibly blue when school resumed, triggering immediate concern among staff. Shortly after using the water, several students began complaining of itching on their hands and feet, prompting urgent action by school authorities.

Headmistress Chitra Rai confirmed that the tank had been emptied, cleaned, and refilled with fresh borewell water just the previous day. “We immediately informed the health department once the issue came to our notice,” she said.

A team led by SDMC president Ganesh Mundovumule, Olamogru Grama Panchayat president Triveni Pallattaru, member Mahesh Rai Keri, community health officer (CHO) Vidyashree, and Asha worker Sarojini visited the school to assess the situation.

Health officials have collected samples of the discoloured water and sent them for laboratory testing to determine the source of contamination. While natural causes of discolouration are being considered, there is also suspicion that external elements may have deliberately tampered with the water supply.

The incident has sparked serious concern among parents and local residents regarding student safety and the need for stricter monitoring of water sources in rural schools. Authorities are awaiting test results, while the health department has assured that appropriate follow-up action will be taken once the cause is confirmed.