Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 14: With the water level at the Thumbe vented dam steadily declining, authorities have begun releasing water from the AMR dam in Shamboor to replenish the city's primary water source. By Wednesday (May 13) night, the water level at Thumbe was expected to reach the 6-meter mark.
The release of water from the AMR dam was initiated in phases starting Monday, May 11. The water level at Thumbe, which stood at a concerning 3.30 meters on Monday, rose to 3.81 meters by Wednesday morning and was projected to accumulate up to 6 meters by Wednesday, May 14 night.
Respite for the next 40 days
If the water level at the Thumbe dam reaches 6 meters, it will be sufficient to meet Mangaluru city's drinking water requirements for the next 40 days. Furthermore, with ongoing rainfall in the Western Ghats region and predictions of more showers in the coming days, authorities are optimistic that the city will not face a severe water crisis this season.
Alternate-day supply to remain in place
Despite the fresh inflow from the AMR dam, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has decided to maintain the status quo regarding water distribution. Since May 4, the MCC has implemented a modified supply schedule, providing water on alternate days to the Mangaluru South and Mangaluru North areas.
Explaining the rationale behind continuing this system, MCC officials stated that they had previously received frequent complaints about inadequate water pressure reaching elevated areas of the city. By supplying water on alternate days, the civic body ensures an equitable distribution with sufficient pressure, allowing higher-altitude zones to receive adequate water.
Officials confirmed that normal pumping operations are currently underway at Thumbe. They emphasized that the current schedule is not a severe "rationing" measure due to a lack of water, but rather a strategic distribution method that is actively resolving the water scarcity issues previously faced by residents in elevated areas.