Talking to reporters after visiting the dam premises here, Rai said he had seen that several fishes were dying and the water downstream had turned blackish with suspected discharge of effluents from the industrial area near the dam.
The minister said he had also instructed pollution control board officials to find out the source of the discharge of effluents into the river and submit a report within four days.
He said the pollution had become worse and the local people were facing a miserable situation with foul smell emanating from the water.
Discussions would be held on how to purify the polluted water.
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DK Deputy Commissioner K G Jagadeesh, who accompanied the minister, said the district administration would ensure that discharge of effluents would be checked.
Water had not been contaminated on the upper side of the dam, while pollution was detected downstream.
The Rs 42.5 crore Malavoor dam project, meant to supply drinking water to 14 surrounding villages in the district, was inaugurated by Ramanath Rai in April this year.
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