Ban on lifting of Nethravathi water for agriculture

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim has said the lifting of water from Nethravathi river for agriculture has been banned till May 31. The water in the river needs to be allowed to flow down as it was required for drinking in Mangaluru.

The DC said, “The water-level in Thumbe vented dam is depleting.The Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) has taken measures to supply water through tankers to each ward by identifying water sources including open wells and borewells. As the district fails to receive sufficient rainfall, the underground water table was depleting in the district fast due to the high temperature.”

He has also banned lifting of water from AMR Power Pvt Ltd dam by the AMR Power, MRPL and MSEZ and others for industrial purpose till May 31.

The DC, in his order dated May 1, had banned lifting of water for industrial use till May 13. Speaking to mediapersons, he hoped the water crisis in the district will be solved in the next couple of days following rainfall.

In the last 24 hours, Bantwal has received 46.1 mm rainfall followed by Belthangady 30 mm, Mangaluru 21.3 mm, Puttur 19.8 mm and Sullia 18.4 mm. The water-level at Thumbe vented dam has slightly increased. The MCC has started supplying water from Lakhya dam to 11 wards in Surathkal area. Water has been tested and is potable, he added. He appealed to the public to drink boiled water.