Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 25: The inflow into the Thumbe vented dam, which supplies drinking water to Mangaluru city and surrounding areas, has come to a halt, causing the water level to drop to 5.75 meters in the last couple of days. If there is no rainfall soon, the city is likely to face a water shortage, making judicious use of available water essential to managing the summer crisis.

With soaring temperatures and rising demand, water is being pumped from the Thumbe dam 24 hours a day. Over the past week, the water level has been decreasing by 8 to 10 cm daily. Although the dam’s gates are closed to store water up to 6 meters, the lack of inflow and growing consumption led to a decline to 5.40 meters on March 19. Later, water was released from the Jakribettu dam, temporarily raising the level to 5.85 meters. However, by Sunday, it had again dropped to 5.75 meters.

Mangaluru currently receives 162 MLD (million liters per day) of water. If the dry weather persists without rainfall, the city will likely face an acute water shortage. Authorities have urged residents to use water cautiously. Meanwhile, at the AMR Power Project dam in Greenko, the water level remains stable at 17 meters above sea level.

Emergency measures if water levels drop further

Currently, the Thumbe dam holds 5.75 meters of water. In previous years, when the water level dropped significantly, stored water from the Harekala dam was pumped using four pumps to replenish Thumbe. If a crisis arises by the end of May, authorities may resort to similar pumping measures this year.

Water scarcity already affecting some areas

Areas like Surathkal, Kuloor, Kodikal, Akash Bhavan, Katipalla, Krishnapura, and Bengre in Mangaluru city are already experiencing drinking water shortages. If there is no rainfall until late May or early June, the problem may worsen. Authorities have advised residents to start conserving water immediately until the monsoon arrives.

Jakribettu dam plays a key role

With the Saralikatte dam downstream of Uppinangady filled, water is flowing downstream into the AMR dam, which then reaches the Jakribettu dam. From this year, the Jakribettu dam has been supplying water to Bantwal town municipality, increasing its demand. Only when excess water is released from Jakribettu will the water level at Thumbe dam rise.