Tunga dam water reaches dead storage level; city stares at water crisis

Shivamogga: The Shivamogga city may likely face acute water shortage in the near future as the Tunga dam which provides water to the city is reaching a dead storage level, informed official source.

It is gathered that the city which has a population of about 3.60 lakh is dependent on the dam water for its everyday water supply. However, the intense summer season has led to a dip in the present water level in the dam.

Speaking to ANI about the outlining the gravity of the alarming situation, Executive Engineer Ramesh told, “The Monsoon is delayed. Because of dead storage, we are only able to draw very less amount of water. We can manage for a month with available water. We have requested the irrigation authority to take suitable action to preserve the required amount of water. We cannot use dead storage water for any purpose except drinking, so district administration has ordered to preserve water”.

He also asserted that due to scarcity, the water is being supplied to the outskirts of the city on alternate days.

On May 31, India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted normal rainfall across the country from June to September.

As per the IMD Bulletin released on Friday, “Rainfall over the country as a whole for the 2019 southwest monsoon season (June to September) is most likely to be Normal”.

The four-month monsoon season is extremely crucial for the agricultural-based economy of India and affects the livelihood of millions of people.

(With agency inputs)