Residents in several parts of Mangaluru are grappling with an unexpected shortage of drinking water, a problem that has surfaced even before the intense summer heat sets in. Mangaluru City South MLA, D Vedavyas Kamath, has raised the alarm, claiming significant inconvenience to the public and pointing fingers at the current city administration.
MLA Alleges Administrative Failure
MLA Vedavyas Kamath has instructed officials of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to visit the affected locations and take urgent action within a week. He highlighted that wards 25, 26, 27, 41, and 53 are currently experiencing a serious shortage of potable water.
In a sharp criticism of the current civic body leadership, Kamath contrasted the present scenario with the past. "Previously, when the BJP was in power in the city corporation, immediate responses were provided to the public's issues as soon as drinking water problems arose," the MLA alleged. He claimed that since the end of the BJP's term, there was no one to address people's concerns effectively.
Former Councillors Detail Public Hardship
The issue was further emphasized by former BJP councillors and a local leader who detailed the difficulties faced by residents. Poornima M, Ganesh Kulal, Jayalakshmi Shetty, Jagadish Shetty, and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bajal were present to explain the ground reality of the water scarcity in their respective areas.
Kamath directly linked the current inaction to the change in political leadership, stating, "Currently, the MCC is under the administration of a Congress-led government, and there is no solution to the common people's problems." His comments inject a strong political dimension into the civic issue, framing it as a failure of governance.
Officials Put on Notice
The meeting, which included Naresh P Shenoy, the deputy commissioner (development) of MCC, and other officials, served as a formal platform to demand accountability. The MLA's one-week ultimatum puts pressure on the civic machinery to swiftly identify the cause of the shortage—whether it's due to supply issues, infrastructure problems, or mismanagement—and implement a concrete solution.
This early onset of water troubles in Mangaluru signals potential for a more severe crisis during the peak summer months if not addressed promptly. The situation underscores the critical need for robust and responsive water management systems in urban centers, irrespective of the ruling party. The coming week will be a test for the MCC's ability to resolve essential utility problems and provide relief to the affected residents.
