3 bizman arrested for polluting well

SURAT: Three textile businessmen were arrested by police for pouring milk and throwing material used in rituals in a well in Dumas on Saturday.
They were later released on bail after warning not to pollute the well, which is the sole source of drinking water for around 4,000 residents in the area.
Police detained Premchand Gupta, his son Pankaj and friend Bharat Jain, all residents of Vesu, for throwing material used in pooja at their house.They had arrived at the spot in a car and were pouring milk from a pouch into the well when a group of youth keeping watch nabbed them. They were handed over to police.
"We detained them under IPC section 151 and later released on bail. Their act created a problem for villagers, who use the well water for drinking," said R J Ninama, police inspector, Dumas police station.
Villagers were complaining about stench from the water since few days. "Soon the well was cleaned by a team of village youth. Even after cleaning it three times, the stink continued and the villagers decided to keep watch near the well for 24 hours," said Ramesh Lashkari, who plays important role in maintaining well in and around Dumas.
"The trio informed that as per family tradition they perform Lakshmi puja during Shravan and they are supposed to pour milk in well. They used to pour milk and threw kanku, rice and flowers in the well as per advice of pandit," said Ninama. The trio informed police that their parents used to follow the tradition to earn maximum wealth.
Dumas villagers worship the well like temple and no one is allowed to wear footwear near it. Littering is strictly prohibited and use of machines to pull water is not allowed. "A pump extracts water very fast and it will result in sea water entering in well. The well's water can turn saline," said Lashkari.
The well is located about half a kilometre from the Dumas beach.