Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 25: With the level of water at Thumbe dam further declining to 7.8 feet, the city faces the prospects of having to do with further cut in water supply. As the level of water in the dam dips, its potability also diminishes, which might trigger problems earlier than expected. The level of water at AMR dam too has steeply fallen, and the officials are working overtime on plans to maintain water supply as long as possible.

The city corporation has begun the task of clearing the riverbed of rocks and silt near the town in an attempt to make whatever little water available to flow into the dam. The officials, with the help of locals, may continue with this operation for a few days.

Earlier, it was said that AMR project dam holds water that would be enough for the city for a few days. On Sunday, city mayor, Harinath, visited AMR dam area and was shocked to find that the water level was at its nadir. He expressed anger at the wrong information about the water standing at the dam provided to the administration by officials. Noting that MRPL and SEZ plants have been lifting water from River Netravati in spite of the fact that the city residents are not getting water, he asked city corporation's executive engineer, Lingegowda, to take steps to stop this practice forthwith.

The mayor said that the work to clear boulders and silt which are standing in the way of water flowing to the dam are being cleared, to improve the situation. The locals brought to the notice of the mayor during his visit that about 18 mgd of water can flow into the dam if industries stop pumping river water.