Swarna River water pumped to Udupi and suroundings

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, May 15, 2016: Udupi MLA Pramodh Madhwaraj, who paid a visit to the area on May 14, Saturday, said the water level at Baje dam has reached 2.08 metres and all necessary measures are taken to ensure water is supplied to town and surrounding seven gram panchayats until June 1.

“The water from these storage ponds is being pumped using three boat engines of a capacity of 110 hp each. Six boats are working on alternative basis. The water from the storage pond would be enough for four days. In the first stage, the water is pumped near Puttige bridge. From there, the water would be pumped near Puttige Mutt and later to the area between Puttige Mutt and Baje dam and, finally, the water would be pumped to the reservoir,” explained Madhwaraj.

The MLA added that there is a constant link flow in the water. “The speed of the pumps is being expedited. The showers that fell two days ago are of no use as the inflow of the water has not started. It is only when the catchment area receives heavy rains that the inflow would begin,” he insisted.

The MLA said that the water is pumped for six kilometres at a stretch.  “The gram panchayats which are offered water include Alevoor, 80-Badagabettu, Ambalpadi, Kadekar, Kodibettu, Athradi, and Bommorabettu. The engines pump water for 21 hours. The cost for the pumping of water is Rs 980 per hour per boat. The initial pumping works would get over soon.