Mangaluru: The water level at the Thumbe vented dam, the primary source of drinking water for the city, is steadily declining due to the absence of pre-monsoon showers and rising summer temperatures.
As of May 2, the water level at the dam has dropped to 4 metres, raising concerns over the city's water security.
Officials monitoring the situation indicate that the current storage levels are significantly lower than expected for this time of the year. The prolonged dry spell and intense heat have accelerated evaporation and reduced inflow, worsening the situation.
In response to the dwindling reserves, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has decided to introduce water rationing across the city starting May 4. As part of this measure, water supply will be provided on alternate days to ensure equitable distribution and prevent a complete depletion of available resources.
Authorities believe that rationing is necessary to stretch the remaining supply until the arrival of monsoon rains. Residents have been urged to use water judiciously and avoid wastage during this critical period.
To mitigate the crisis, the MCC has submitted a request to the district administration to release water from the AMR dam to the Thumbe reservoir. Officials are hopeful that the release will be approved and implemented shortly, which could provide temporary relief and stabilise supply levels.
The proposed transfer is expected to help maintain minimum storage levels required for uninterrupted drinking water supply in the coming weeks.
Local MLA D Vedavyas Kamath visited the dam site on May 2 to assess the current water levels and review the preparedness of authorities in handling the situation. During the visit, officials briefed him on the measures being taken and the challenges faced due to the prolonged dry spell.
The inspection highlighted the urgency of immediate intervention and the need for coordinated efforts between civic authorities and the district administration.
With water rationing set to begin, residents may experience inconvenience due to reduced supply frequency. Civic officials have appealed to the public to cooperate with the measures and adopt water conservation practices such as limiting non-essential usage and fixing leakages.
Experts note that responsible consumption during this period will play a key role in ensuring that available resources last until monsoon replenishment.
The falling water levels at the Thumbe dam underline the growing impact of seasonal variability and climate conditions on urban water supply. While interim measures such as rationing and inter-dam transfers may provide short-term relief, long-term planning and sustainable water management will be crucial to prevent recurring crises in the future.