Mangaluru : 48 open wells have been identified in City Corporation limits for supplying water said, Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil on Monday.

He was speaking at a meeting chaired by District In-charge Minister U T Khader at the deputy commissioner’s office in Mangaluru on Monday.

Senthil said that there are 135 borewells and 48 open wells in the City Corporation limits. “As many 26 open wells have been cleaned and the rest will be cleaned within two days. Quality of water in these sources is assessed to ensure that the water is fit for consumption,” he added.

“Lack of pre-monsoon showers has resulted in a dip of water level in Thumbe dam. The water level is being constantly monitored to plan rationing of supply accordingly. The responsibility of water supply and management has been entrusted to the assistant commissioners and engineers across the district,” the officer said.

Stating that necessary measures have been taken to supply drinking water to the people of the district, Senthil said that there is no shortage of funds for water supply.

“Drinking water is provided through tankers in areas hit by severe water shortage. Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr Selvamani has taken charge of the water management in Panchayat jurisdiction. The officer is in constant touch with the taluk panchayat executive officers. In Ullal, Mulki and Moodbidri, water is being provided through tankers. Permission has been granted to sink borewells in the water shortage areas,” Senthil explained.

Assistant Commissioner Ravichandra Nayak said that water is supplied once in two days in Moodbidri and in Bantwal.

Assistant Commissioner Krishnamurthy said that there was no problem for drinking water in Puttur.

Dr Selvamani said that a fund of Rs 25 lakh has been sanctioned for drought management in Mangaluru and Bantwal taluks.

“The stormwater drains are cleaned to facilitate the flow of water. Preparations are being made to face the flood situation too. Boats, home guards and related equipment are kept ready. A control room has also been set up in this regard and emergency personnel have been provided with satellite phones,” he added.

Stating that there are possibilities of landslides on the three ghat areas of the district, the deputy commissioner appealed to the district in-charge minister to hand over the management of the roads, to the Public Works Department. The officer also sought grants for work to check the sea erosion.

Puttur assistant commissioner has been asked to place an earthmover and necessary personnel on the ghat areas as a precautionary measures.