Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Apr 12: Hours after the district unit of BJP criticised the MCC over water shortage in the city and alleged that it was 'artificially created' to 'help the water mafia', mayor Kavita Sanil lashed out at the opposition party for politicising the issue.
Addressing a press meet here on Wednesday April 12, Kavita Sanil said, "They should not politicise the water issue. We have taken concrete measures to increase the water level up to 5 metres in the Thumbay dam as discussed in the meeting.
"Less than 100 people had gathered for the (BJP) protest. Mangaluru has a population of nearly 6 lac. In case if there is scarcity of water whole people of Mangaluru should have gathered instead of just 100 people. The protestors know the reality and actual level of the water at Thumbay. They are trying to misguide people. I am confident that people will not believe such allegations," she said.
"Last year we had faced acute shortage of water and supplied water with the help of water tankers. We have spent up to Rs 143 lac on digging 43 borewells and cleaning 53 open wells to provide drinking water. At present, the water level at Thumbay dam is 4.5 meters. We will supply water four days a week till April end.
"From May first week, we will supply water on a daily basis to the people in Mangaluru by increasing the water level of Thumbay dam up to 5 meters from AMR dam," she added.
Moving on to other issues, Kavita Sanil said, "In certain places, shopkeepers have occupied parking lots illegally. This creates difficulties for parking space. Within ten days, if they do not take action to clear the parking space, we will do the needful. Shopkeepers have no right to occupy parking spaces illegally."
Deputy mayor Rajaneesh, MCC chief whip Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.