Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 7: Water shortage had been a common phenomenon during summer months for the city since the last several years. But this time the city is likely to go without water shortage. The city municipality which used to resort to water rationing in the past, has succeeded in keeping water supply intact all the seven days of the week. Moreover, Baje dam on which the drinking water situation of the city rests, boasts of storage that is enough for 53 days.

The water consumption since the last few weeks has been less on account of less number of visitors to the district, and closure of hotels, shops, schools and colleges, industries, centres of faith, offices, halls etc.

Baje dam (file photo)

The officials say that two months ago, they had divided the 35 city wards into three zones and resorted to six hours of water supply every day. They say that this method saved 1.5 MLD of water. They also have undertaken the task of pumping water from pits formed nearby into the dam.

Baje dam now has 3.4 metres of water as against 1.6 metres on this day last year. This water is enough for 23 days. The water pumped from pits would be sufficient for 30 days. If rainy season begins as per schedule, the city will be rid of water problem completely.

As per an estimate, the city requires 1.5 crore litres of water everyday taking into account the population. But now, 2.2 crore litres of water is being used every day.

Assistant executive engineer of the municipality, Mohanraj, said that the five pits near Puthige bridge and Bandaribettu hold water that is enough for 30 days, in addition to the storage at Baje dam that is sufficient for 23 days. He said that the work of pumping water from these pits is in progress.