Residents of Mandya town are set to face a severe drinking water problem from Friday with the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWSDB) deciding to supply water once in three days.
While the authorities have taken up repair works at Visvesvaraya Canal, which supplies Cauvery water from Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir to Mandya, the water pumping stations have been facing frequent power cuts. As a result, KUWSDB has decided to supply drinking water once in three days starting April 1, Madaiah, executive engineer, KUWSDB, said.
At present, water is being supplied to the residents once in two days. There are around 19,000 water connections, apart from 2,000 unauthorised ones. The town, which has 35 wards, has a population of around 1.50 lakh.
Shortfall
Speaking to The Hindu here on Thursday, Mr. Madaiah said the town requires 30 MLD (million litres a day) water. But the availability is only 19 MLD.
To make matters worse, the actual supply is 15 to 16 MLD owing to leakage and other issues, a senior officer at the Mandya City Municipal Council (CMC) said.
He described the situation as “grim”, adding that it is likely to be aggravated by April 10.
According to the water tanker suppliers, the demand for water has increased manifold in the town in the last two weeks, which have seen the temperature rise steadily.
Helpline
Meanwhile, the Mandya Zilla Panchayat has launched a helpline to receive complaints on water supply.
The numbers are: Mandya (08232-224003), Maddur (08232-232177), Malavalli (08231-244000), K.R. Pet (08230-262230), Nagamangala (08232-286031), Pandavapura (08236-255123) and Srirangapatna (08236-252037).
Residents can also reach the control room set up in the town by dialling 08232-221443. To reach zilla panchayat CEO B. Sharath, send an SMS to 94808 72000.
WATER WOES
Mandya town, which has 35 wards, requires 30 MLD of water
The town has a population of 1.5 lakh
A helpline has been set up to receive complaints
Situation expected to worsen by April 10
