Mangaluru: MLC Ivan D'Souza has called on the deputy commissioner and the commissioner of Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to immediately establish a committee to investigate allegations of drinking water contamination raised by Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath.
Visit to Water Treatment Plant
MLC D'Souza, who visited the water treatment plant in Bendoor on Friday, noted that MLA Kamath was quoted in newspaper reports claiming residents in some parts of Mangaluru are suffering from health issues, including vomiting and fever, due to contaminated water. In response, D'Souza stated that ensuring the supply of pure water is the responsibility of the MCC, which receives crores of rupees from the state government. He emphasized that politicizing this issue is inappropriate.
Assertion of Water Quality
D'Souza mentioned that he visited the water treatment plant following the MLA's complaint. After consulting with officials and reviewing lab reports, he asserted that the water supplied by the corporation is potable and that the reported contamination is not possible. He criticized the circulation of such reports, stating that it misleads the public and attempts to create panic. He maintained that drinking water management is a civic duty of the city corporation, regardless of political party affiliations.
Demand for Investigation Committee
Furthermore, D'Souza urged the DC and MCC commissioner to immediately form an investigation committee to determine the exact cause of the illnesses—specifically, whether they originated from private well water or water supplied by the city corporation. He requested that the committee's findings be made public and that an inquiry be conducted into the statements made by MLA Kamath.
Minister Informed
Additionally, D'Souza said he has informed Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah about the situation and requested an investigation into the source of these rumors.
