Mangaluru City Corporation’s (MCC) sudden move to reduce water levels in the new vented dam at Thumbe across the Netravathi on Tuesday led many to wonder whether it was to facilitate sand extraction from the riverbed upstream the dam.
While the civic body had to resort to water rationing this summer even after the commissioning of the new dam, it could impound water at the 5-m level during and after the monsoon. The district administration has released the amount to be paid as compensation to land losers for impounding water at 5 m.
On Tuesday morning, a few onlookers were surprised to witness water gushing out of the new dam after two gates were opened. Following the opening of the gate, the old dam, which was submerged in the water, became visible. Some speculated that the water level was being intentionally brought down to facilitate sand extraction upstream the vented dam.
However, corporation Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer ruled out such speculation and said that the water levels were being reduced to facilitate undertaking emergency repair works at the jackwell. The works are expected to be completed by Wednesday afternoon, after which the gates would be closed.
There is quite a good flow in the river and it is only a matter of time that the level increases to 5 m after the gates are closed again, Mr. Nazeer said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil told The Hindu that no new permits for sand extraction around Bantwal have been issued.
In a different context, Mr. Senthil had told reporters during a press conference that survey is being conducted to identify land that would get submerged in the event of impounding water at Thumbe at the 6-m level. Water storage at the 6-m level can cater to water requirements for the next 6-7 years.
No water supply today
Many parts of the city will go without water supply on Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. as the city corporation is undertaking emergency maintenance works at the Thumbe LLPS 18 MGD plant. The areas affected include major parts of old Mangaluru, Kodikal, Kottara, Jalligudde, Kuloor, Panambur, Surathkal and Katipalla.
