Water from Lakya Dam reaches Panambur

Water from Lakya Dam reaches Panambur

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 13, 2016: It was late on Wednesday night that the State government granted permission to the Mangaluru City Corporation to make use of Lakhya Dam water for meeting the drinking water needs of Katipalla, Edya and nine other wards in the northern parts of the city.

The Lakya Dam is located in the Kudremukh National Park in Chikkamagaluru district. This dam was built by KIOCL Ltd. The Supreme Court has permitted KIOCL Ltd. to use the water in the dam for its unit in Mangaluru. A pipeline has been laid between the dam and KIOCL Ltd. unit through which two million gallons per day of water is drawn.

Following an emergency meeting here on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim issued an order stating that two million gallons per day of water from the dam can be used for meeting piped drinking water in the 11 wards in Mangaluru North.

The Forest Department, which is the custodian of the dam water, sought an order from the State government for diverting water. Deputy Conservator of the Kudremukh National Park informed Mr. Ibrahim of the need to get clearance from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

Mr. Ibrahim said that he called B. Ramanath Rai, Environment and Forest Minister and also district in-charge, who was in Kerala for an election campaign, and Mr. Rai responded quickly. The official clearance for diversion of water was issued late on Wednesday night.

Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner H.N. Gopalakrishna said that two million gallons per day of water from KIOCL Mangaluru unit reached the corporation’s pumping station at Panambur around 10 a.m. on Thursday. After treating, water will be tested by experts and then supplied to Surathkal, Hosabettu, Katipalla, Edya and other areas in Mangaluru North.

Courtesy: The Hindu