Shuddha drinking water unit no longer serves purpose

The Shuddha drinking water unit that was serving the tourists at Raja Seat has become defunct for the last few days. As a result, tourists no longer get pure drinking water.

Though two Shuddha water units were installed in Madikeri town, it has not served the public. The units are not maintained properly, allege the residents.

“It is not even been two years since the installation of the unit. Still, it has become defunct. Those who come to collect water with bottles return empty hand,” said merchants at Raja Seat.

Pure water is supplied at Rs 5 for 20 litres and Re 1 for one litre. Initially, the response was minimal. Over a period of time, a large number of people started collecting water from the unit. Now, the unit has closed down all of a sudden, said the merchants.

The ‘Shuddha unit’ was installed under MLALAD fund of MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan in 2015-16 by spending Rs 12.90 lakh. However, without any maintenance, the unit has now become defunct.

“The unit calls for repair at least three to four times in a year. The contractor takes minimum one week to repair it,” rued merchants.

Tyagaraja Colony resident Akram said, “The two units were installed as the drinking water in ward number 23 is not potable. Now the unit in defunct.”

The residents, hotel owners and shopkeepers of Stonehills, Hosa Badavane, Chowdeshwari Nagara, Indira Nagara, Raja Seat and Race Course Road were depending on the Shuddha drinking water unit at Raja Seat.

The Shuddha drinking water unit at Sudarshana Circle is now being used by many.

“The hotel staff, staff from petrol bunk and government offices collect water from the unit. It will also benefit the residents of Siddapura Road,” said a staff member.

The residents alleged that the machines get damaged often. Lakhs of rupees have been spent on installing the unit. Unfortunately, it has not served the purpose of supplying pure water to the residents.