No Netravathi water for agricultural purposes from January: DC

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, Nov 27, 2016: Deputy Commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha has said that  the use of Netravathi river water for agricultural purposes  would be banned from January with a view to give priority to supplying drinking water. He also warned of criminal proceedings against those who violate the order.

The Deputy Commissioner was speaking to reporters after visiting the areas which would be submerged due to the construction of the second vented dam at Thumbay.

Recalling the severe water crisis that hit the city during last summer, he said  this time water upto a level of five meters would be stored in the new vented dam. The survey of the areas which would be inundated is almost complete, he said and added that compensation would be disbursed once the list of affected people is finalised.

Gokuldas Nayak, Naresh Shenoy, MCC officers, Mahadevaiah, Executive Engineer of KUWS and others were present.

Earlier, the DC  visited  areas in Panemangalore, Sajipamunnur, Nandavar and other places which would be submerged due to the second dam. He later even held a meeting of officials and elicited necessary information.

He instructed that  the officials should finalise before Wednesday  and Friday the list of people who would be affected  if water is stored upto a level  five meters and  and eight meters respectively.

Farmers boycott meeting : Meanwhile, farmers of the affected areas boycotted the meeting alleging that the DC was taking decisions at  his own whims and fancies without taking the farmers and elected representatives into confidence.