Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 13: The city corporation here had approached Supreme Court earlier, seeking to use six mgd of water standing in Lakya dam within Kudremukh National Park, which had been built in the past for pumping iron ore from Kudremukh. The Supreme Court, it is gathered, has since permitted the city corporation to use three mgd of water from this dam for drinking water purposes. This has come as a minor relief for a city that has been facing problem of providing sufficient drinking water to areas covered by it.

City mayor, Kavita Sanil, said that arrangement to pump water from Lakya dam to the city will be made as soon a copy of the Supreme Court order is received by the corporation. The petition seeking permission to use this water had been made during the period of previous mayor, Harinath.

In connection with proposal to use water from Lakya dam, central empowered committee had visited Lakya dam site twice to undertake inspection. After getting opinion of the department of forest and environment, the Supreme Court has given its nod to use three mgd of water. Although the water from this dam flows through the pipeline already existing by using gravity, to start the process, initial pumping of water is needed, it is gathered. For this purpose, the corporation has to re-activate the pump house and provide power connection to it.

Supreme Court clearance in this case is needed as a case about destruction of forest due to construction of Lakya dam is pending there. The water is permitted to be used only for drinking water purpose. For providing electricity connection, which had been cut off earlier, clearance from the state department of environment would be required.