Water not available even for purchase, say protesters

Members of the Tulunada Rakshana Vedike staged a protest in front of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) on Tuesday, demanding water.

Addressing the protesters, Yogesh Shetty Jeppu, founder-president, said, “Water, which is available freely in nature, is not available even for purchase in Mangaluru. There is artificial drought-like situation in Dakshina Kannada, owing to the negligence of the officials. The authorities should wake up at least now and ensure that the citizens get enough water for livelihood.” 

Shetty said the officials do not have the will power to solve the woes of the people, adding that the helpline number announced by the MCC has failed to listen to the water woes of its citizens.

“Hotels and lodges are feeling the pinch of water shortage. Hostels have been closed down and the students have been sent home by the colleges. Mangaluru city has enough sources of water. The authorities should make arrangements to clean the sources and supply water to the citizens,” he demanded.

“Gujjarakere needs to be rejuvenated. Owing to the seepage of drainage water into Gujjarakere, the water body has been polluted. Had the authorities checked the seepage, the water from the lake could have been used by the residents of the wards situated around the water body,” he said.