Mangaluru to introduce water supply rationing from May 1

Mangaluru to introduce water supply rationing from May 1

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 25, 2026: Water supply rationing will be introduced in Mangaluru from May 1 due to increased summer demand, Deputy Commissioner and Mangaluru City Corporation Administrator Darshan H.V. said on Friday.

He said that sufficient water is available in the Thumbe Vented Dam and AMR dam to meet the city’s water supply needs until June 10. However, to ensure proper supply to all areas, including Surathkal, rationing has been planned from May 1.

Speaking to reporters after a phone-in programme at the Mangaluru City Corporation office, Darshan said that 160 MLD of water is currently being pumped daily from Thumbe, and the same level of pumping will continue. However, in some areas, water supply will be restricted for a few hours so that all 60 wards receive adequate supply at least once every two days.

As of April 24, the water level in Thumbe dam stood at 4.53 metres, while the AMR dam had 18.53 metres of water. So far, no water has been released from the AMR dam to Thumbe. He added that rainfall in the city and surrounding Western Ghats region has ensured inflow into the reservoirs.

Regarding illegal water connections in rural areas linked to the city’s supply network, Darshan said that more than 40 such connections have been identified, while complaints regarding several new illegal connections are being verified. Though these have not been disconnected yet on humanitarian grounds, steps are being taken to install meters and regulate water supply to villages.

He also warned against unauthorized flex boards being installed across the city, including on road dividers. Even flex boards related to government programmes should not be placed in this manner. MLAs and MLCs have been informed, and strict action with zero tolerance will be taken against illegal flex installations.

The Deputy Commissioner said the ongoing Jalasiri project has been given a deadline for completion by the end of December. However, due to the approaching monsoon, all dug-up areas must be closed by May 20. No further excavation will be allowed during the rainy season.

Locals to Monitor Desilting Work

To prevent artificial flooding during the monsoon, desilting works of stormwater drains and rajakaluves are being carried out at a cost of Rs 4 crore under 32 tender packages. Work has already begun in 27 packages, while the remaining will start within a week.

Local residents will be involved in monitoring the desilting work to ensure proper execution. Emergency response teams have also been formed to tackle natural calamities during the monsoon. Coordination with forest officials is underway for trimming tree branches before the rainy season, while MESCOM has assigned seven personnel to ensure proper functioning of streetlights and transformers.

Desilting work will also be carried out in flood-prone areas such as Jyoti and Pumpwell. At Pumpwell, steps are being taken to stop water inflow from three of the five problematic points. Plans are also in place to raise the service road bridge by one metre, widen the drain near the mosque, and increase the height of the bridge opposite TMA Pai. These works will be taken up after the monsoon.

Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Ravichandra Nayak and senior officials from various departments were present.