Mangaluru city is set to begin water rationing from May 1 as the water level in the Thumbe vented dam, the primary source of drinking water for the city, has been depleting rapidly. The decision was taken by the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to ensure equitable distribution of water during the summer months.
Water Supply Schedule
Under the rationing plan, water will be supplied on alternate days in different wards. The MCC has divided the city into two zones: Zone A will receive water on odd-numbered days, and Zone B on even-numbered days. The supply duration will be reduced from the usual 24 hours to 12 hours per day.
Areas Affected
The rationing will affect all 60 wards of the Mangaluru City Corporation. However, areas that have access to alternative water sources like borewells or private tankers may not be severely impacted. The MCC has urged residents to use water judiciously and store enough for their needs.
Reasons for Water Scarcity
The Thumbe dam, which supplies water to Mangaluru, has seen a significant drop in water levels due to deficient rainfall in the catchment area. The dam's storage capacity is 1.8 tmcft, but the current storage is only about 0.6 tmcft, which is insufficient to meet the city's daily demand of 180 million liters per day (MLD).
Government Measures
The Karnataka government has announced a series of measures to address the water crisis, including the deployment of tankers to supply water to affected areas, and the implementation of a water conservation campaign. The MCC has also been directed to repair leakages and ensure efficient use of water.
Public Advisory
The MCC has advised residents to store water in clean containers and avoid wastage. They have also been asked to report any instances of water misuse to the corporation. The rationing is expected to continue until the onset of the monsoon, which is likely in June.
This is not the first time Mangaluru has faced water rationing. Similar measures were implemented in 2016 and 2019 during severe summer months. The city's water supply infrastructure is under strain due to rapid urbanization and climate change impacts.
