Mangaluru: Minister for Urban Development, Vinay Kumar Sorake held a review meeting regarding the Mangaluru water crisis at the Circuit House here, on April 25.
Speaking to the mediapersons, Sorake said, “We visited the Thumbay dam to evaluate the situation and we found that there is water sufficient only for 12 days. We have thus formed a contingency plan after a meeting. We will identify all borewells, wells and water bodies within Mangaluru and then check if the water is potable. If the water is found fit for consumption then we will pump the water and supply it to the people. 66 water tankers are deployed for this purpose. Each of the 60 wards will have a water tanker to supply them with water. And 6 other tankers will be kept on standby.”
He said, “Mangaluru requires about 100 MLD of water, but we are pumping about 160 MLD. This is mainly due to losses. Drinking water is our main priority and we will first ensure that the people have enough water to drink. MRPL and SEZ was lifting water for industrial purpose and to check this we have taken steps so that industries will not be supplied with water till the monsoon sets in the district.”
MLA J R Lobo said, “There are no financial hurdles to supply drinking water. Task forces are appointed to check water shortage and take up measures. These task forces are well funded by the corporation. About Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned to them depending on the population density.”
Sorake said, “There are losses in the distribution and many water connections are unaccounted for. In the future illegal or water connections with unpaid dues will be disconnected just like disconnection of power lines due to non payment. Paschima Vahini Project which will provide water for drinking and irrigation will be revived to tackle further drinking water issues in the future.”
MLC Ivan D’Souza, MLA Moideen Bava, Mayor Harinath and others were also present.
