Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, May 22: Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner, Sasikanth Senthil, clarified that with the enforcement of the rationing system, water supply to the city from Thumbe dam can be maintained till June 10.
"Monsoon season is expected to begin on June 6. This date can change by a few days at the last minute. At the current rate, water supply can be maintained to the city till June 10. If the rain does not appear till then, we have made arrangements to supply water from borewells and wells through tankers," he explained.
The current water level at Thumbe is 3.42 metres. As a gap of four days is maintained between each supply, the water level has been maintained at satisfactory level. So far no serious water problem has come to the notice of the administration, and wherever there is demand, water is supplied through tankers, he explained.
The deputy commissioner said that none of the educational institutions need to postpone the reopening date of their classes. He said that if there is need for water, subject to receipt of request, water would be provided to these institutions through tankers.
District administration moves to undertake dredging operation at Thumbe
The district administration at last, has decided to do away with the silt that has accumulated at Thumbe dam on which the city is entirely dependent for drinking water needs. It has been making preparations to undertaking dredging operation for removing the accumulated sand to augment water storage there.
Waste material and sand have accumulated at Thumbe dam since the last some years. This has been affecting the quantum of water stored at the dam. Permission from the central government has been obtained to remove the silt. Once this operation is undertaken, the dam would be able to hold more water commencing next year.
Because of the large quantity of sand, damage also happens because of gushing of water to nearby fields during floods. "The decision to remove the accumulated sand and silt has been taken by keeping all these things in mind. Dredging work will begin in about four days," said DC Dakshina Kannada district, Sasikanth Senthil.
He said that a committee headed by the sub-divisional officer will monitor the dredging operation. "Necessary machinery and equipment have already been sent to Thumbe for the purpose," he added.
He said that the sand collected from Thumbe would be used for government works. He recalled that this issue had been discussed even in the past.