Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jan 13: Mangaluru City Corporation mayor Harinath on Friday January 13 denied the allegations made by former minister Krishna J Palemar that the water supplied by the MCC was \not fit for drinking' and alleged that Palemar was spreading rumours and trying to mislead the people of Mangaluru.
Addressing media persons here, Harinath said, "Palemar had submitted the report to the MCC regarding the coliform bacteria found in drinking water. We swung into action immediately and collected samples from 21 places to conduct tests at Fisheries College and the government lab.
"Palemar should not mislead the people of Mangaluru. The report on 21 samples collected indicates that there is no coliform found in any of the samples," he said.
MLA J R Lobo said, "Before conducting press conference, Palemar should have brought the matter about the contaminated water to the notice of the MCC. By conducting press meet, he is trying to mislead the people of Mangaluru. This kind of statement will make people scared of entering the city.
"The former minister had collected water samples from places like Bondel, Maryhill, Katipalla, Krishnapura and conducted tests, and the tests had indicated that coliform was found in the water. After the report was submitted by Palemar, we too tested water samples and the reports indicated that coliform bacteria was not found in them. MCC has taken all concrete measures to prevent the contamination of water," he said.
MLA Mohiuddin Bava, MCC commissioner Mohammed Nazeer, corporator Kavita Sanil, Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.