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Slug: Public Health Concern
Shivamogga
Residents of Shivamogga protested outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office alleging contaminated drinking water supply in several city areas. The protest was held under the banner of Shivamogga Nagarikara Hitarakshana Vedikegala Okkuta, a citizen welfare federation.
Residents said they have been receiving polluted water for the past few days, affecting health and forcing them to spend money on cleaning tanks. They alleged that officials from the Urban Water Supply Board often respond by blaming heavy rains instead of addressing the issue properly.
K. V. Vasanth Kumar, general secretary of the federation, said filter units were filled with silt and poorly maintained by authorities. He demanded water samples be tested in laboratories to ensure safe drinking water for citizens across the city. The forum also said the city currently receives 84 million litres of water daily and future demand may rise significantly.
They warned that capacity must be increased and water quality laboratories established to prevent future health risks. The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner seeking immediate intervention and improved monitoring systems.
The residents urged the district administration to take urgent steps to clean water supply systems, improve maintenance of filter units, and conduct regular laboratory testing. They said repeated complaints have been ignored and the issue is growing worse during rainy days. They warned that if corrective action is not taken immediately, public health in Shivamogga city will be at serious risk. They also demanded long term planning to expand water supply capacity, strengthen monitoring, and ensure accountability of officials responsible for safe drinking water supply across all wards in the city going forward.
