Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, April 22: The level of water in Thumbay vented dam that supplies water to the city has dropped to 5.28 centimeters on Sunday, April 21. About five centimeters of water gets evaporated due to the scorching sun every day. It is said that if the temperatures rises, the water may last only for about 38 days. There will be no problems however, if it rains in May.
Water only for three days in a week
If the level of water decreases in the present rate, drought of drinking water is likely to hit the city at the end of May. Therefore, in order to be prepared, the district administration and the corporation have decided to provide water for only three days in a week. No one including staff is allowed near the dam. There is no explanation from the concerned officials about it.
Thumbay and Baje dams - File photos
Experts believe that the water will last till May end if the water is used only for drinking. Therefore, people need to avoid its use for other purposes. Citizens have however questioned the banning of their entry near the gate of the vented dam.
On the whole, as water in the river, which is the lifeline of the district, is drying up, there is anxiety among the residents of the city with regards to the imminent drinking water scarcity.
Udupi report
As the mercury is rising in the district, rocks can be seen at the bed of Swarna River that supplies water to the district. Baje dam has water that is sufficient to supply for only ten more days. Council officials are waiting for the rain. At present water is being supplied once in three days after rationing was done. The situation is likely to become worse if it does not rain in Western Ghat foothills, Karkala and Ajekar.
The city needs 24 MLD of water every day. People complain that water does not reach properly in places that are situated at high areas. The problem in some places, even though the council had taken precautions, has become a challenge to the officials. Water in the Baje dam is drying up fast due to the summer heat. The level of water which is 2.6 meters at present is fast receding towards the deadline of two meters.
Meeting of DC on Monday
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hephsiba Rani Korlapati has called a special meeting on Monday, April 22, to hold discussions regarding issues concerning water and actions to be taken to resolve the same. The meeting will also discuss necessary precautions to be taken during the upcoming monsoon.