Fisherfolk demonstrate enmasse jam DC’s office area

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru:  Fisherfolk  were seen in unprecedented numbers on Aug 5, Wednesday demonstrating  against the new system implemented by the State government for distribution of tax-exempt diesel.

M’luru Pipeline damage wake-up call - water trickles after 5 days.

Mangaluru: A nightmare was faced by the city dwellers for five long days without water supply.  The City Corporation, on August 5,  evening, succeeded in resorting the supply to a big extent it is said.  Several areas  are yet to get water.

Water supply system to Mangaluru City from Thumbay vented dam failed on July 31, Saturday, after two of the 18 MGD pipelines breached at Kannur-Adyar. Although one of the broken pipelines was repaired Aug 2, night and the pumping of water was restarted, the supply was cut to facilitate the repair of the other major pipeline. The work was delayed, as water had accumulated in the area near the damaged pipeline. The pipeline was further damaged after soil and debris were dumped.

Mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred, who spoke to media and people, said that the repair work on the 18 broken MGD pipeline at Kannur on the outskirts of the City was completed. Pumping of water to all major water tanks in the City commenced Aug 5, Wednesday morning.  Also, the Mayor said that to ensure that the residents of all areas within the administrative limits of the MCC get water, the Corporation had decided not to extend the supply to Mulki, Ullal and the industrial areas on Aug 6, today.

With no water supplied, some of the canteens and hotels in some parts of the City were forced to remain closed, although eatables were supplied in use and throw plates and glasses.  People were using water stored in sumps for emergencies for the last three days. Also mineral water for drinking purposes was a saver for many people.

People were seen depending on their neighbours who owned either a borewell or an open well.   Corporator Roopa D Bangera said, Persons who dumped soil and debris on the pipeline and responsible for the disruption in water supply to over four lakh population should be punished.

CPM leader Sunil Kumar Bajal said that there are chances of such incidents recurring. This is a wake-up call for the Corporation to improve the infrastructure in the City.   Opposition leader in the Council Sudheer Shetty said, that  the MCC has only two tankers to supply water to the City in case of an emergency. In fact, I had brought the issue of dumping of debris on the pipeline to the notice of the assistant executive engineer, who failed to act against the defaulters. It was only after I filed a complaint  with the MUDA - Mangaluru Urban Development Authority town planning officer that the dumping stopped.   He added that at the same time, without proper planning the authorities have given an underground pipeline, as a result of which, the leakage cannot be noticed.

People felt that without water for five consecutive days, life in the city was a hell without a way out and many had to leave their homes too.