Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Jun 1: The rain gods this time have allowed the government officials to breathe easy and concentrate on coronavirus control work without having them to bother too much with water scarcity issues. Thumbe dam, which usually wore a deserted look during the summer months, is already full before the ushering in of the monsoon season. The officials however have maintained half a metre gap at the brim, to make room for water inflow due to rainfall.

Assistant executive engineer of the city corporation, Naresh Shenoy, said that the dam now has 5.50 metres of water, which will be sufficient for seeing the city through for 45 days without any fresh inflow. Shambhoor dam has, in addition, 18.9 metres of water.

Thumbe dam (file photo)

Till recently, water level of six metres was maintained at Thumbe dam, but on account of expectation of rainfall, some water has been released. The work of opening the sluice gates will begin depending on the quantum of rainfall. Rainwater brings with it things like waste items and wooden logs. Therefore, to keep the dam clean, these gates are opened one by one. If the dam water reaches the maximum, all the gates will be opened, the officials stated.