No water at various locations in the city since 3 days!

Team Udayavani, Apr 4, 2019, 8:42 AM IST

Mangaluru: There has been a lack in provision of drinking water at various locations in the city since the past three days which has left the users shocked and helpless. It is being said that since the officials of the Water Department have been appointed on election duty, they are unable to give attention towards the fulfillment of the water requirement and thus complicating the problem.

Drinking water requirement is not being fulfilled since the last three days at various locations in the city including Mangaladevi, Car Street, Kuloor, Mannagudda, Jeppinamogaru, Derebail, Yeyyadi. Hampankatta and other areas. Although it is not a cause of concern for those possessing their own wells, others who depend on the corporation for their water requirements are left waiting for water at the end of the dry tap. At some other places, since no water is coming from the corporation, the thirsty are depending on the well of a neighbor.

Officials on election duty

Along with the water operator, staff working in connection to water fulfillment and officials, there are close to 200 individuals working in the Water Department within the corporation’s limits. There almost 10 engineers who are responsible for water related duties. But in the backdrop of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, officials and engineers in the Water Department have been appointed on election duty similar to other officials. Due to this, the officials are unable to provide attention towards the water problem being faced by the people. Consequently, the water problem is increasing.

Water to industries cut

As a precautionary measure to prevent the seeping in of drinking water problem in the city, the 18 mgd water being provided to the industries has already been cut by a little. From April 15^th onwards, it has been decided to provide only 10 mgd of water to the industries.

No water for dialysis at Wenlock

Water is essential to treat diabetes patients through dialysis. But due to the lack of water here since the last three days, the dialysis facility here has been affected adversely. Even though the water is being procured through water tankers, there are other patients in the hospital who require water and since the need is greater than the supply, patients ae facing much trouble. Responding to this issue, Wenlock Medical Superintendent said, water is required to provide dialysis to diabetic patients.  But, available water is being used for this. Since there is a lack of water, the patients have been informed to not t waste water, she said.

5.4 meters of water at the dam

On March 27^th, 5.8 meters of water was available at Thumbay dam. On Wednesday April 3d, the water level at the dam has dropped to 5.4 meters. In comparison to last year, the lack of water is more this year, say MCC officials. The 5.4 meters of available water must be managed for the entire city for the next two months. If there is no rain by then, the problem will only exacerbate, observe the officials.

We are doing duty

“Since there is less water in the dam, there is a little bit of problem. Presently, there is 5.4 meters of water at Thumbay vented dam. Provision of water has not faced problem because the officials are on election duty. Amidst the duty too, we work to provide drinking water for the people of the city. Water requirement will be fulfilled on Thursday,” explained Lingegowda, Executive Engineer, Mangauru City Corporation (MCC)

Use limitedly

“The water level at Thumbay dam is dropping. Since the water has to be provided to the city for the next two months, the provision is being reduced little by little. People should make limited use of water. Water should not be wasted,” advised Narayanappa, MCC Commissioner