Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, May 19: District in-charge minister U T Khader on Sunday May 19 said that people have been cooperating well despite acute shortage of water in Mangaluru. "We have been forced to ration the water, and it will continue till June 6. The city has faced severe water shortage," he said, addressing a press meet here.

"Mangaluru City Corporation has been distributing water to the public in 15 tanks. So far 14 open wells have been repaired and there are plans to dig 19 borewells to tackle the water scarcity in the city.

"We also plan to dig more borewells and distribute more water through tankers after holding a meeting with the DC. We will also discuss about water scarcity in Dharmasthala. The government and the district administration will provide all kinds of assistance required. When a city develops such problems appear. Earlier the inhabited area was less, but now that it has increased, usage of water also has increased," Khader said.

"Provision will also be made to refine sea water for daily usage. We will also discuss the revival of lakes in the city," said Khader.

When asked to comment on the statement by JD(S) leader Basavaraj Horatti that it was better to dissolve the coalition government, U T Khader said, "There is no need to give importance Horatti's statement. The party leaders will discuss it. The coalition government in the state is safe and all leaders are united. We are confident that youngsters like Mithun Rai (Congress candidate from Dakshina Kannada) will win the Lok Sabha elections."