Mangaluru Minister Warns of Summer Water Crisis, Urges Preemptive Action
District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has stressed the critical need to protect Mangaluru from a potential drinking water crisis during the peak summer months. During a Ganga Puja ceremony at the Thumbe vented dam on Wednesday, Rao highlighted that weather forecasts indicate a harsh summer ahead, with a possible delay in the monsoon onset, which could exacerbate water scarcity issues in the region.
Minister Directs Officials to Ensure Water Supply
Rao directed officials to take all necessary precautions to ensure the city's water supply remains stable. "Authorities must plan in advance for water distribution over the coming months and ensure an adequate supply at least until June," he emphasized. This proactive approach aims to mitigate risks and prevent disruptions for residents and local communities.
Current Water Storage and Supply Details
Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) officials provided an update on the current water situation. Water is currently impounded to a height of 6 metres at the Thumbe vented dam, which has a total capacity of 10.49 million cubic metres (MCM). There is still some inflow into the dam, supporting ongoing supply efforts.
- Water from the dam serves MCC's 60 wards, as well as Thumbe, Pudu, and Adyar gram panchayats.
- Approximately 0.26 MCM is lifted daily to supply Mulki and Ullal CMC limits.
Officials noted that even without additional inflow, the present 6-metre level can meet demand for about 39 days. If water levels drop further, contingency plans include releasing water from upstream dams to maintain supply.
Backup Measures and Infrastructure Readiness
To bolster water security, MCC has identified several backup measures. The city limits currently have 140 borewells, with plans to drill more if necessary. Additionally, open wells will be cleaned and kept ready as a contingency resource to address any shortages during the summer months.
Progress on the Jalasiri Project
Officials also provided an update on the Jalasiri project, a key initiative aimed at improving water infrastructure. The project is currently 63% complete, but it has faced significant delays. Originally scheduled for completion by May 24, 2023, setbacks include the Covid-19 pandemic, pending permissions from the National Highways Authority and Railway Department, issues with the New Mangalore Port Authority, and land acquisition hurdles.
- The deadline was extended to November 23, 2025.
- The contractor has now sought a further extension until December 31, 2026.
Specific progress details include:
- Of the 52.5 km clear-water transmission main pipeline, 44.6 km has been laid.
- Of the 1,155.3 km distribution network, 868.8 km is complete.
- Of the 19 proposed overhead tanks, three are commissioned, civil works on 14 are complete, one is underway, and one has not started due to land-related issues.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Mangaluru's water resilience and ensure long-term sustainability in the face of climate challenges and growing demand.
