Mangaluru: The ongoing political dispute over the city’s drinking water supply has escalated, with an official meeting expected soon in Bengaluru. District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, after reviewing the Fact-Finding Committee report prepared by Congress, announced plans to convene a meeting in Bengaluru to address the issue.
A Congress delegation, led by MLC Ivan D’Souza, submitted the committee’s report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Rao. The report outlines serious concerns over the drinking water supply and sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Mangaluru. However, Mayor Manoj Kumar denied allegations that untreated water was being supplied to the city.
In response, MLC D’Souza highlighted the deficiencies discovered during the committee’s investigation, which included visits to the Pachanady STP, Bendoorwell Water Supply Unit, and the Muchur Wetwell. D’Souza emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “We requested the CM to approve an additional ₹100 crore to address the lacunae in the city’s drinking water system. Minister Rao has agreed to take swift action.”
The report also called for the completion of the Jalasiri 24×7 drinking water scheme, better staffing at the Mangaluru City Corporation, and the establishment of a new water treatment plant. Additionally, D’Souza urged the Pollution Control Board to provide relevant data and recommended installing CCTV cameras across all STPs, with direct connections to the corporation’s monitoring center.
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