Karnataka - Hubli-Dharwad   

Good inflow into Malaprabha brings little relief to people

Special Correspondent

Minister rules out water supply once in three days

HUBLI: Copious inflow into the Malaprabha and Neerasagar reservoirs, prime sources of drinking water to Hubli and Dharwad, hardly provides any relief to the people if the statement of S.R. Morey, Minister for Municipal Administration, made here on Sunday is taken into consideration.

Though he acknowledged that the inflow is good, Mr. Morey ruled out the possibility of ensuring drinking water supply at least once in three days in the twin cities.

Mr. Morey told presspersons that what at the most could be done is that once in five days water supply could be ensured. "We have to take a cautious approach and have a long-term plan in managing the situation," Mr. Morey said.

He was here to perform a puja at the Neerasagar which is almost full after five years. The Neerasagar has received 19 ft. of water and it could supply five mgd.

There has been a good increase in the water level in the Malaprabha and it should be possible to draw 16 mgd of water. The authorities are in a position to draw 21 mgd of water a day from the two sources, Mr. Morey said.

Mr. Morey expressed optimism of getting early clearance for the Rs. 176-crore third phase of the water supply scheme under the Malaprabha project.

The World Bank, which is expected to provide funds, has sought details on various aspects, including the resource base and the capacity to repay the loan.

Details in this regard have been provided.

He said the State Government will make it mandatory for all new buildings to have provisions to harvest rainwater. Vacant sites adjacent to the buildings might be exempted from the purview of property tax in towns with less than one lakh population, he said.

Mr. Hanumanthappa Betageri, Mayor; S.B. Bommanalli, Deputy Commissioner, and Ravindra Chief Engineer of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board, were present.

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