Pipeline damage disrupts water supply across Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 19, 2025: Water supply to several parts of the city remained disrupted on Monday and Tuesday after the main drinking water pipeline was damaged during ongoing work near Padil–Kannur. The sudden interruption caused widespread water scarcity, leaving residents distressed.

Tanker supply was arranged for residential complexes, but hotels, hospitals and commercial establishments continued to face acute shortages. Many areas ran out of stored water by Tuesday evening.

Repair work is expected to be completed by Wednesday morning, but officials warned that it may take at least 12 hours for water to reach all localities once the flow is restored. As a result, normal supply on Wednesday appears unlikely.

The main line carrying water from Thumbe Dam to the Padil tank is located 18 feet underground. Another line below it supplies water to the Bendore pump house, making it difficult to identify the exact point of damage. Consequently, supply from the Padil pump house to Padil, Maroli, Kankanady, Mangaladevi, Jeppu, Panir, Mulihitlu, Bolar, Car Street, Mannagudda, Pandeshwar, State Bank, Shaktinagar, Kannur, Bajal, Jeppinamogaru, Alape, Attavar, Ullasnagar, Chilimbi, Kodikal, Urwa Store, Ashoknagar, Kudupu, Vamanjoor, Bondel, Kavoor, Marakada and surrounding areas was completely halted on Tuesday.

Throughout Tuesday, soil covering the pipeline was removed using excavators and tippers, and the damaged section has now been identified. Water accumulated in the pit is currently being cleared. The pipeline will then need to be cut and welded, a process officials say will take additional time.

Meanwhile, another repair to fix leakage in the main line near Adyar–Kannur is also in progress. Water supply is expected to resume by Wednesday afternoon, said MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Nayak.