Pumping to stop if water level goes up in Thumbe

Mangaluru Mayor Bhaskar K visited Thumbe vented dam on Friday.

Following heavy rain in Bantwal taluk, the water level in the dam reached 9 metres on Thursday night. The maximum storage level of Thumbe dam is 10 metres. However, only 7 metres is stored for drinking water purpose.

The pumping of water was stopped in the dam from 6.30 pm on Thursday following an increase in water level in Nethravathi river at Thumbe. The pumping was restored on Friday after the water level receded.

When the water level reached 9.1 metres, Mescom authorities were forced to disconnect its 33 kv exclusive feeder line, situated close to the River Nethravathi.

Addressing reporters, Mayor Bhaskar K said that if the water level continues to rise, the pumping will be stopped till the water level recedes. A close watch will be kept on the weather forecast. The water supply to the city will be continued uninterrupted, he said.

The water level in Netharavathi river at Thumbe had touched 11.9 metres in 1974. This is the first time that the water level reached 9 metres after 1974.

The mayor said that uprooted trees have resulted in damage to various parts of Mangaluru. Measures will be taken to clear trees that are in a dangerous position in different parts of the city. The roof of Government First Grade Women’s College was damaged after a tree branch fell on the roof. Also, an autorickshaw was damaged after a tree fell near Urwa. Another tree uprooted near SP’s office, causing damage to the electric line, he said.

MCC Executive Engineer Linge Gowda said that a proposal for Rs 15 crore has been submitted to the state government for the construction of a retaining wall alongside the dam. At a few places, the protective wall near the pumphouse had caved in following the heavy rain. As a temporary measure, polygeo fiber bags will be placed at places where the retaining wall has caved in.

Deputy Mayor Muhammed Kunjathbail, Council Chief Whip Shashidhar Hegde, corporators Praveen Chandra Alva, Navin D’Souza, Deepak Poojary and others were present.