Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Aug 5: The water shortage during rainy season was least expected. But the current scarcity which had occurred due to damaged pipes still remains.

Two pipelines each of 18 mgd capacity at Kannur connecting from Thumbay had burst on Saturday, stopping water supply to the city.

Hosts of politicians including the local MLA, MLC, mayor and league of officials including the deputy commissioner have visited the place. They have sent a clear message to the residents of the city that they are unable to get even two pipes repaired in time.

Area flooded

The area where the pipes got burst was flooded with water. That is the main reason which has delayed the repair work. The pipes are fixed some feet below the ground level which makes the repair work tough. As some locals had dumped soil on the area of the pipeline, it was difficult to identify the exact location of the pipeline. That work alone took two days. Then they had to dig and repair. Before that the water had to be pumped out from the area which was not an easy job.

On Monday night one pipe was repaired and water was let out in that pipe. But as that pipe was connected to a KUDCEMP pipe, somewhere on the way, the water reached that pipe and the leakage increased. That delayed the repair work of the other pipe. Hence they stopped the water supply again.

People still waiting

The authorities have promised that by Wednesday evening water will start flowing in both the pipes and the city will get water supply as usual. Meanwhile the water shortage continues with tankers coming to the rescue of residents in a small way.

Authorities have instructed the locals not to dump soil on the pipeline though the instruction came very late. Better late than never anyway.

In short we are not equipped to even to fix two water pipes in reasonable time. Excuses and excuses are being given. Till then government cars moving from city to Kannur and coming back is a common scene.