Mangaluru: DC and administrator of Mangaluru City Corporation, Darshan HV, said the city will soon shift to a rationed water supply system from May 1, aimed at ensuring equitable distribution across all areas.The system is designed to ensure sufficient water supply in fringe area of Surathkal, Krishnapura, Katipalla and Dambel, which often fail to receive adequate water due to low pressure. Under the plan, there will be full water supply to Surathkal and adjoining areas on one day, and Mangaluru city the next.Clarifying concerns, the DC said the rationing applies only to distribution. Around 160 MLD of water will continue to be pumped daily from Thumbe. “The idea is to ensure that areas which are currently missing out receive sufficient water,” he said on the sidelines of the phone-in programme held at the MCC office on Friday. Officials noted that the water level at the Thumbe vented dam currently stands at 4.5 metres, while the upstream AMR dam holds 18.5 metres. With some inflow into Nethravati River due to rainfall in the Western Ghats and surrounding areas, officials remain cautiously optimistic. If levels dip further, water from the AMR dam will be released in May. Water demand has increased during summer. The DC estimates that existing reserves can meet demand until June 10. On the issue of illegal water connections along the Thumbe-Mangaluru route, officials said 58 such illegalities were initially identified. The DC indicated that a decision on regularising and billing these connections would be taken after ensuring proper supply to villages en route. The 20 MLD treatment plant at Ramalkatte is ready, with 10 MLD earmarked for these villages. Desilting ahead of monsoon The civic body has intensified pre-monsoon preparedness. Desilting works worth Rs 4 crore have been initiated, with tenders issued in 32 packages. Work has already begun in 27 packages, while the remaining will commence in a week, the DC said. To improve transparency, local residents, two to five from each ward, have been included in monitoring committees and briefed about the works. With the monsoon approaching, contractors handling projects under the Jalasiri Scheme and GAIL piped gas installations have been directed to complete excavation works immediately and restore dug-up stretches. Officials stressed that all restoration must be completed before the onset of rain in June to avoid disruption.
