Navi Mumbai:

Villagers of Jambhulpada in Uran taluka were shocked to find over 200 dead fish floating in a local pond on Tuesday morning. There was also a bluish-colour substance seen floating in the water body. Villagers have blamed the chemical leakage from nearby warehouses to be the cause of this problem.

‘‘On Tuesday morning, some children noticed many dead fishes afloat in the pond. This has never happened before. This could be because of the chemical drums that are stored in nearby godowns. It is also a health hazard as often the chemicals stored here give out a strong stench,’’ said a villager, Prabhakar Takale.

Members of the village gram panchayat have also urged the Uran tehsil office to conduct an inquiry into the incident, as they fear that the underground water resources may get contaminated.

Naib-tehsildar of Uran taluka Ravi Patil, said, ‘‘We have taken a note of the issue and have sent a talathi rank official to the spot. We will take action once we get a clear picture.’’