Namakkal: A five-year-old buffalo died after it fell into an uncovered septic tank in Agraharam near Kumarapalayam in Namakkal district, on Thursday evening, despite rescue efforts that lasted for more than five hours.The animal, valued at nearly ₹80,000, belonged to farmer M Kuppurathinam of Kumarapalayam. It went out for grazing along with other cattle but did not return home with the rest.After searching the locality, the farmer found the buffalo inside the open septic tank in a bushy patch of land. The tank which is about eight feet deep and three feet wide and was left uncovered. The buffalo likely slipped and fell into the tank.Fire and rescue personnel from Veppadai reached the spot and carried out rescue efforts. However, the buffalo, which fell headfirst into the narrow pit, suffocated and died. The carcass was later retrieved with the help of an earthmover.Meanwhile, a senior municipal official from Kumarapalayam municipality said, “Leaving septic tanks uncovered poses a serious hazard not only to animals but also to human life. We will ensure immediate action to cover such dangerous pits and prevent recurrence.”Residents urged the Kumarapalayam municipality to take swift measures to close open septic tanks and enforce safety norms to avoid similar tragedies.
