CMC all set to ration water

CMC is all set for rationing of water to enable supply of water until June 15 by earmarking three zones within the city limits.

Raising the issue here at the CMC general body meeting on Wednesday, member Yashpal Suvarna demanded clarification on the proposed Varahi water supply in the area and also the present arrangements made to overcome the impending threat of water scarcity. CMC Commissioner Manjunathaiah said that the supply of Varahi irrigation project in the area using pipelines would have no problem as the viability study has stated that the Varahi water would be lifted through jack well set up in the area and passed through the pipelines. As many as 2.26 acres of land has been set aside for constructing the unit to purify raw water drawn from Varahi at Anjaru.

Besides, seven overhead tanks would be built. The pipeline would be passing through 12 villages. The villagers are also expecting purified water which is not feasible. While Rs 118 crore has been earmarked for the pipelines, Rs 270 crore has been set aside for overhead tanks and distribution tanks. There was a problem for road cutting at Haradi as the pipelines pass through the road. The villagers objected to the works being conducted at the already existing narrow stretch in the region. However, CMC has offered an alternative and the pipeline would now be passing through the adjacent stretch without damaging the road. The project would take 36 months for completion.

Member Shyamprasad Kudwa demanded desilting of reservoirs at Baje. Environment officer Raghevendra said that the present level of water is at 5.22 meters at Baje reservoir when compared to last year's 4.75 meter. The bunds put across the Shiroor reservoir is yet to be removed and if done so, around 1.5 meters of water level would be increased. The water would be available for 95 to 96 days.

Three zones have been set up in the city limits and water is being supplied for four hours. Once the water level deceases, the water would be given once in two days. He added that plans are afoot to manage water till June 5. The members demanded action against the illegal connections.