Thrissur: Authorities have banned entry into three ponds under Choondal panchayat limits as a precautionary measure against amoebic meningitis.

The restriction applies to the ponds of Thayankavu Sree Dharma Sastha temple, Payyurkavu Subrahmanya temple, and the public pond near Payyurkavu temple. Notices have been issued by the panchayat secretary warning people not to use the ponds until further orders.

The move comes after the Thayankavu temple pond recently went viral on social media, attracting crowds from distant places for swimming, bathing, and reel shoots.

District Collector Arjun Pandyan said there was no need for alarm, as no amoebic meningitis cases have been reported in Thrissur. He added that preventive steps and awareness drives are being carried out across the district.

Health Inspector Mary Jisha said the ban was a precautionary measure under disease-control protocols. Water samples from the closed ponds will also be tested for safety, she said.