Mangaluru: Water released from AMR dam to revive Thumbe reservoir; alternate-day supply to continue

Mangaluru: Water released from AMR dam to revive Thumbe reservoir; alternate-day supply to continue

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 14, 2026: With the water level at the Thumbe vented dam continuing to decline, authorities have started releasing water from the AMR dam at Shamboor to replenish the city’s main drinking water source. Officials said the water level at Thumbe was expected to touch the 6-metre mark by Wednesday night.

The phased release of water from the AMR dam began on Monday, May 11. The water level at Thumbe, which had dropped to a worrying 3.30 metres on Monday, increased to 3.81 metres by Wednesday morning and was projected to rise further to 6 metres by the night of May 14.

Relief for the next 40 days

Officials said that if the water level at the Thumbe dam reaches 6 metres, it would be sufficient to meet Mangaluru city’s drinking water needs for the next 40 days. With rainfall continuing in the Western Ghats and more showers forecast in the coming days, authorities expressed confidence that the city is unlikely to face a major water crisis this season.

Alternate-day water supply to continue

Despite the additional inflow from the AMR dam, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has decided to continue the alternate-day water supply system currently in place. Since May 4, water has been supplied on alternate days in the Mangaluru South and Mangaluru North areas.

MCC officials said the arrangement would continue as it has helped address complaints about low water pressure in elevated parts of the city. The alternate-day schedule ensures better and more equitable distribution of water, enabling residents in higher-altitude areas to receive an adequate supply.

Officials also clarified that normal pumping operations are continuing at Thumbe and stressed that the present system is not a strict rationing measure due to water shortage, but a strategic method of distribution aimed at improving supply to all areas of the city.