Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (VM/GA)
Pics - Dayanand Kukkaje

Bantwal, Feb 20: The city which has already been facing several problems has now received another jolt.  The High Lift pump situated at Ramalkatte near Thumbe here broke down on Tuesday February 20 morning at 11. 05.  This is indeed a bad auguring to the city since it is the main source of water supply and mayor Vijaya Arun has already said that city will not have water for another 3 days.

The valve of the 750 HP High Lift pump which is almost 35-years-old and which prevents water from flowing into the pump broke down owing to high voltage.  As a result water entered 3 pumps which are instrumental in supplying water owing to which pumps broke down. The sources said that the pumps can be repaired only after heating them for full 24 hours.  But there is still a doubt whether the needed technology and machinery is available in the city right now.

Daijiworld correspondent reporting from the spot said that already engineers from Kirloskar and MCF have arrived on the spot to take stock of the things and also to undertake necessary repair works.

Meanwhile mayor said that MCC does not have a spare pump and thus it would be difficult to supply water for atleast 3 days.  The coil of the pump needs three days to dry and any moisture will burn down the coil if used again.  If unable to repair, the pump needs to be sent to the company back to Bangalore which would take a week’s time to return.