Bantwal: Minister Rai rules out fear of submerging farmlands nearby New vented-dam

Bellevision Media Network

Bantwal, 27 Feb 2016: Although the new vented-dam under construction at Thumbay, here will have the height of 7 meters, it can hold only water to the extent of 4 meters. At this backdrop, the apprehensions of people living along the shores of Netravati River are unjustified. The crest-gates will only be locked to store water in the dam only after awarding compensation to the affected farmers, said district-in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai.

 

The minister Rai was speaking after offering puja to Netravati River at vented-dam, Thumbay, during the stage programme held here on Friday February 26.

 

 

The people living in Kallige village that lies nearby vented-dam at Thumbay also face the shortage of drinking water.  Meanwhile, the talks will be held with government officials to supply drinking water to the villages that lies near to the dam under social responsibility, added minister Rai.

 

He further said, ‘In order to sustain aquifers, the conservation of forest is essential. Of late, as the water levels in lakes, nature ponds, wells and bore wells are receding; one got to focus on charging underground water sources and also avoid wastage of water.’

 

Mangaluru mayor Jacinta V Alfred said that the construction of new-vented-dam will be over by June 2016. It would ease the shortage of water for city-folks during the coming summer.

 

MLC Ivan D’Souza, former mayor Sasidar Hegde, social justice Committee chairman Deepak Poojary, Prakash Salian, Harinat and Keshav Maroli were present at the dais.

 

ZP member Ravindra Kambali, TP member Ganesh Suvarna Thumbay, Ramakrishna Alva, Yusuf Karandady, Thumbay gram panchayat president Hemalata, Mangaluru civic officers and Karnataka Urban Water Board officials were present.

 

Mangaluru municipal deputy commissioner Shivashankaraswamy welcomed the gathering. Rajesh Suvarna compered the programme.