Thumbe vented dam: State releases Rs 10 crore towards compensation

The state government has released Rs 10 crore towards compensation among 37 families whose land got submerged due to an increase in water storage level from five metre to 6 metre, said MLA J R Lobo. The drinking water storage in Thumbe vented dam is at a level of 6 metre.

The MLA was speaking after offering Ganga pooja to river Nethravathi along with Mayor Kavitha Sanil at Thumbe vented dam on Saturday.

When the storage level was increased to 6 metre, private properties of 37 persons to an extent of 25 acres got submerged under water. The MCC had placed a demand for Rs 15 crore to the state government as compensation.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has released Rs 10 crore at one stretch on Friday. The storing of water in Thumbe vented dam will indirectly benefit the farmland in the adjoining areas.

Water from Thumbe vented dam is supplied not only to Mangaluru but also to Ullal, Konaje and 27 other villages. The available water in the dam is sufficient for the next two months.

"If the water is stored at seven metre, then water can be supplied for three months. As a vast area of land will be submerged if the water is stored at seven metre, a decision needs to be taken after a thorough study and discussion. Normally, sluice gates of the dam are closed in the month of December. In spite of closing the gates late this year, the water stored has been at six metre. There is still an inflow of water to the dam. The water should be supplied scientifically," he said.

'Dont waste water'

Mayor Kavitha Sanil said that with the water level in the dam standing at six metre, Mangaluru city may not face a shortage of drinking water. However, the public should utilise the water judiciously and ensure that water is not wasted.

"When I took charge as the Mayor, I had promised to initiate measures to store water at six metre in the dam. During Smart City project meeting on Friday, a delegation met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and appealed to release the amount to be paid as compensation. The CM responded immediately and released Rs 10 crore from the SFC special grant."

Water in the Thumbe vented dam is stored up to 6-metre height. This will be enough for a daily supply of 60 days by pumping 160 MLD (million litres a day). The dam was built at a cost of Rs 75 crore. The dam is 343.5 metre long and has 30 gates. By increasing the storage level to 6 metre, there will be 10.83 MCM (million cubic metres) of water in the dam. If the water is stored at seven-metre height, then the dam will have 14.73 MCM water.